Cataracts

What are cataracts?

• Cataracts refer to any cloudiness of the crystalline lens inside the eye. This typically starts as we age, however increased use of steroids can occasionally increase the progression. Cataracts cause a cloudiness of vision, like a dirty or cloudy windshield. Sometimes visual acuity seems to be stable but vision quality, such as halos and glare, becomes bothersome. This is because cataracts negatively affect the light that enters the eye.

Are all cataracts the same?

• No, there are many different types of cataracts. The most typical kinds that we encounter are:

  • Nuclear Sclerosis - This is a general yellowing or clouding of the lens.

  • Posterior Subcapsular - This any opacity that forms on the back surface of the lens.

  • Anterior Cortical Subcapsular - This is a white spoking pattern that forms on the front side of the lens.

How can I get rid of my cataracts?

• When vision is decreased to 20/30 or 20/40 we typically start to recommend cataract surgery. Currently surgical intervention is the only known treatment to eliminate cataracts. Cataract surgery is a 4-5 minute surgery where a surgeon makes a 2.5 mm incision, pulverizes the cloudy lens, removes it, and replaces it with an acrylic lens.

Will my glasses prescription change after surgery?

• Yes, there will be a change, the lens holds 1/3 of the refractive power in the eye. When they replace it with an artificial lens they can choose any power the patient wants to correct vision. The surgeon will do testing to helpdetermine the best lens option for you. We recommend waiting one month after cataract surgery to pursue glasses to ensure the eye heals properly and is stable enough for proper vision testing.