The eye is similar to a camera in that an image is “focused” on the back of the eye by the cornea, the lens, and sometimes with the aid of your glasses. A cataract is a haziness in the lens of your eye.  This can cause the image that falls on the back of your eye to be blurry.

The major factor in developing a cataract, simply put, is aging. About 50% of Americans aged 65-74 have some degree of cataract, and 70% of those aged 75 or over. Genetics, diabetes, certain medications and previous eye trauma or surgery can also play a role in the development of cataracts.

Cataract symptoms may include:

Picture of a normal eye

Picture of an eye with cataract

• Blurred vision for distance (driving) and/or near (reading).
• Glare and double vision.
• Washed out color perception.
• Cataracts do not usually cause that fluctuates, or pain or irritation of the eye. If you have these symptoms, you may have a different eye condition.

Is there a way to prevent or slow down cataract?

Not conclusively. There are some studies suggesting that a long lifetime exposure to sunlight may increase ones risk for cataract. Smoking has been found to be a risk factor for cataracts. There are studies indicating that many years of proper nutritive factors and vitamins and possible hormone replacement therapy in women may help prevent cataracts. Therefore wearing sunglasses, paying attention to good nutrition and not smoking are all advisable. But there is nothing in the short term that appears to make a difference.

When to consider cataract surgery

The time to consider cataract surgery will depend on your individual needs. When your vision begins to have a significant impact on work, leisure activities or other needs, it is time to consider having cataract surgery. However, this will vary from one person to the next. For example, a pilot would need cataract surgery in the very early stages while someone with less demanding activities may not be bothered by a much more developed cataract. Each person is an individual and the goal of cataract surgery is to help you to meet your own personal needs.

Because there are small risks in having the surgery, if your vision problems are minor and easily tolerable, it is recommended that you defer cataract surgery. Additionally, some insurances have specific vision requirements (20/50 or worse is a rule of thumb) before they will cover the procedure.  If you are in a managed-care insurance, your health plan may make the final decision.

Cataract surgery will not correct other eye conditions. Conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration may limit how well you may see even if your cataract is removed.  You should talk frankly with your doctor about how much improvement to expect following surgery and weigh the possibility of benefits with the risks involved.

Cataract Surgery - the procedure

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure and complications (if any) are rare and treatable. The surgery itself is highly successful in improving the vision of patients about 95% of the time. Surgery with an Oregon Eye Specialists ophthalmologist is performed on an outpatient basis in state of the art eye surgery facilities with expert caring staff. The procedure itself typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Light sedatives are given to provide a relaxing experience.  The eye is “numbed” for the short procedure with anesthetic solution. Through a tiny incision at the side of the eye, a small probe will be used to emulsify and vacuum the hazy lens from within its delicate capsule. An artificial lens implant is inserted to replace the natural lens and provide focusing power to the eye. Contrary to a popular misconception, a laser is not used for cataract surgery, although sometimes laser is necessary to remove an “after cataract” months to years after the original surgery.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Although the vast majority of patients who have cataract surgery do not have serious complications, there are always risks associated with any surgery. The risks of cataract surgery include, but are not limited to:

Recovery from Cataract Surgery

The patient may return home the day of the procedure.  With proper rest and avoidance of any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, recovery is usually a matter of days, with only minor discomfort.  Several follow up appointments will be required to ensure the eye is healing properly and initial results are sustained.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataract problems, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.