Cataract What is a Cataract The human eye has a natural lens, which is normally transparent and forms a clear image of the outside world in the eye. When this lens develops haziness and opacity the light rays cannot pass easily through it, and the image becomes blurry. Sight becomes foggy decreased or may be completely lost - this is called cataract.    What causes cataract? · Age - Most cataracts are related to aging. · Unprotected exposure to sunlight. · Steroids use. · Medical problems, such as diabetes. · Eye surgery and trauma to the eye. · Congenital cataract. · Family history. · Radiation. · Improper nutrition. · Smoking. How is a cataract detected? Usually the patient may have symptoms that suggest cataract. However on occasion, the patient may not be aware of his poor vision and therefore, routine eye examination is essential to establish the presence and the extent of a cataract. When is a cataract suspected? · Cloudy or blurry vision. Colors seem faded. · Glare and halos around lights · Poor night vision. · Double vision or multiple images in one eye. · Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses. · Needing brighter light to read · Fading or yellowing of colors What treatments are available for cataract ? •There are no medications, eye drops, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts •If symptoms from a cataract are mild. a change of glasses may be all that is needed to function more comfortably. •Protection from excessive sunlight may prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet light or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-Ultraviolet coating are often used for protection. Surgery •Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts interfere with a person’s routine daily activities. •The definite treatment of cataract is surgery (phacoemulcification surgery). An ultrasound probe is inserted into the eye through a small incision made in the eye Cornea. The lens is converted into small particles using an ultrasound device and those are vacuumed out. An artificial lens (IOL) is inserted through the small incision and it is replacing the natural lens. •About 1.4 million people have cataract surgery each year in the United States and 95% are without complications. If routine eye exam are done as recommended, complications are less likely. However, in cases when a patient waited too long to have their cataracts surgery, the cataracts may become too hard and complications are more likely to occur. •At times even a successful surgery may not restore vision as there are many conditions that may cause blurred or poor vision and eye discomfort including diseases of the retina and/or the optic nerve. Sometimes, those conditions coexist with progressive cataract and are discovered only after removal of the cataract. In those cases cataract surgery may not correct the visual deficit. ifdgdgfdgfdgggfdfgdfgfgfdgdgfdgfdggdgfdgfdgdfcians, LLC fhfjhkhk fhdskjfhdsfjhsdkfj hfjkv   bgvdcg  fhfjhkhk fhdskjfhdsfjhsdkfj hfjkv   bgvdcg fhfjhkhk fhdskjfhdsfjhsdkfj hfjkv   bgvdcg
	January 2010       © Rutland EYE Physicians, LLC 73 Center Street, Rutland VT 05701     Tel: (802) 773-2020