Cataract Information

Cataract Information
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens
that interferes with light passing through the retina. Sufferers
usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a
waterfall, or piece of wax paper, with a gradual blurring or dimming of
vision.

Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually
become dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a
bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. And as
the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
may become necessary.

No one knows exactly what causes cataracts, but it is known that a
chemical change occurs within your eye to cause the lens to become
cloudy. This may be due to advancing age, heredity or an injury or
disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight,
cigarette smoking or the use of certain medications are also risk
factors for the development of cataracts.

Currently there are no medical treatments to reverse or prevent the
development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to
achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the
cataract from the eye.

If your cataract develops to the point that it affects your daily
activities, your optometrist can refer you to an eye surgeon who may
recommend surgery. During the surgery, the eye's natural lens is
removed and usually replaced with a plastic artificial lens. After
surgery, you can return to your optometrist for continuing care.