What is a cataract?
A common misconception is that a cataract is a "film" that forms over the surface of the eye. In reality, a cataract is actually caused by a natural aging process that occurs inside your eye. It’s a gradual clouding of your eye’s clear, natural lens that can, over time, make your vision less sharp. Much like a camera, your eye depends on a clear lens to properly focus images. As we age, proteins in your lens begin to bind together, clouding your lens and creating a cataract. A cataract may make your vision cloudy, blurry or dull. Many patients report a yellow or brownish tint to their vision as well.

What causes cataracts?
Although cataracts usually develop on their own as part of the natural aging process, there are other factors that can contribute to cataracts developing earlier or at an accelerated rate.
These include:

• Genetic inheritance
• Eye injuries
• Certain diseases (such as diabetes, glaucoma)
• Smoking
• Frequent and unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays
• Certain medications

What are some symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly over time ­ in fact, in the early stages, symptoms may be so mild that you may not even realize that your vision is changing. However, as the cataract becomes more dense you will eventually experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Painless blurring of vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Double vision in one eye
• Poor night vision
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

Are there options other than surgery for cataracts?
In some cases, new glasses may temporarily improve vision, but there are no medications or exercises that will help cataracts disappear. If cataracts are interfering with your vision, surgery is the answer. With an experienced surgeon, cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore your clear vision and enjoy life fully once again.

When is it time for me to have cataract surgery?
The time for surgery is when cataracts are causing loss of vision which affects your ability to perform activities of daily living in your accustomed manner. With modern advancements in cataract surgery, developing cataracts no longer means having to suffer with blurry vision - restoring your vision has never been easier. The first step in detecting cataracts and determining your need for surgery is through a comprehensive eye exam. Call (800) 344-4443 to schedule your appointment.

What happens during cataract surgery?
During this outpatient procedure, topical anesthesia will be used, insuring that you will be relaxed and comfortable as your surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an Intraocular Lens (IOL). There are no stitches, and recovery is rapid. With the cataract removed, and the IOL in place, you're on your way to enjoying clearer, more youthful vision.

Will I need to have cataract surgery done again?
The results are permanent, offering you a lifetime of good vision. However, some patients may experience a clouding of the tissue surrounding the IOL. Should this occur, a laser may be used in an outpatient procedure to painlessly remove the cloudiness and restore clear vision.

What is recovery time like?
You will return home and relax for the remainder of the day after your procedure. Most patients report improvement in their vision as soon as the next day – you may even watch TV and read at this time. You should be able to resume other normal activities, such as driving and working, within just two or three days. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions, use your medications as prescribed and keep your follow up visits.