Cataract and Cataract Surgery

Cataract formation is usually the result of the natural aging of the lens we have inside our eyeballs. When this lens becomes cloudy and opaque, it is called "cataract". Sometimes trauma to the eye can cause a cataract or you can even be born with a cloudy lens (congenital cataract).

Symptoms of cataracts vary. They can cause gradual blurring of your vision or  debilitating glare and halos from the sunlight and headlights. Sometimes, one of the first symptoms is an aversion to driving at night. Usuallly, cataracts start as a mild inconvenience which progressively gets worse until they interfere with your daily activities and prevent you from doing the things that you like to do. Generally, it is at this point when we will star to discuss cataract surgery. Jus because your doctor tellls you that you have cataracts does not mean that you need surgery. It is only when the cataracts start to affect  our lifestyle that we need to discuss surgery. 

Today, cataract surgery is not as complicated as it was years ago, and the results are much better now with the new type of implants available to restore your vision. It is a short, painless procedure that does not require a hospital stay. Recovery is quick and you can usually resume your daily activities the very next day after your cataract is removed. During cataract surgery, the surgeon will remove your cloudy,opaque natural lens (cataract) and replace it with a crystal clear plastic lens (implant). It is all done through a tiny self sealing incision which does not require stitches.  The implant goes  inside your eye, you don't feel it,  it does not require any "maintenance" and it will last you for the rest of your life.  It will help you see more clearly, usually without glasses or with very mild prescription  glasses. Cataract removal is still surgery, though, and it carries certain risks of complications. Fortunately these are very rare, and usually manageable. Before you are scheduled to have surgery, our surgeons will discuss those risks with you.