Cataract

Most people over the age of 60 have been told they at least have the beginning of cataracts. Cataracts are a normal part of aging, just as grey hair and wrinkling of the skin.

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens in the eye. There are actually many different types of cataracts but the most common is the senile or nuclear sclerotic cataract.

Cataracts are still the most common cause of blindness worldwide.

Symptoms

The normal human lens is clear and allows light to properly focus on the retina. As cataracts develop, the lens begins to scatter light more and more. As the lens scatters more light the symptoms begin to worsen:

Glare Problems
Difficulty with on-coming headlights at night
Overall blurred vision
Difficulty reading
Difficulty with contrast

Below is an example of normal vision with good clarity and nice color saturation:

Below is an example of a symptomatic cataract. Notice how the details are blurred and colors are bland:

Treatment

Early cataracts that cause minimal symptoms can be observed. As cataracts grow they cause a change in the strength of your vision. When these changes happen, simply changing your glasses will compensate and allow you to see 20/20 or close to it. Changing your glasses will not reduce other symptoms such as glare and contrast problems.

As the symptoms worsen and vision drops, then it is time to consider cataract surgery.

When should Cataracts be Removed?

This is a very common question posed by everyone who has ever been diagnosed with cataracts. Simply stated cataracts should be removed when they are affecting the quality of your life.

Usually when your vision has been reduced to 20/50 or worse , cataract surgery should be performed. Why 20/50? Most states require that you have a best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Once your vision has dropped below that then you can not legally drive. At that point cataract surgery is the only option for improving vision.

Sometimes cataracts should be removed before best corrected vision drops to 20/50. A lot of times we see patients who have best corrected vision of 20/40 or better, but the vision drops drastically in a bright environment.

For example; Mr. Jones wears glasses that correct his vision to 20/30. He is completely happy in most settings during the day. But at night while driving, the lights from oncoming cars cause his vision to blur drastically. Or when he is watching T.V. and lights from a lamp across the room cause his vision to drop. This is can be tested at the office.

Depending on where in the lens a cataract develops it can cause other symptoms. Cataracts that develop in the center of the lens tend to be more symptomatic than others. These central cataracts can cause difficulty reading and trouble seeing during the day. This is another reason to remove cataracts.

As you can see, visual acuity alone is not the only reason to have cataracts removed. The decision is based on individual factors that you must discuss with your Eye M.D.

If you think you may have symptoms from Cataracts give us a call at 318-212-3937. Most times we can make you an appointment that same day!

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most successfully performed surgeries in the world today. Cataract surgery consists of completely removing the cataractous lens with ultrasound and replacing it with an artificial lens implant identical to the one on the right.

It is performed in an outpatient setting with only mild sedation and topical anesthesia in most cases.

After you have arrive at outpatient surgery, you are given a comfortable gown and an I.V. is started. Drops are placed in the operative eye to dilate the pupil. Once the pupil has been dilated you are then taken to the surgery suite.

Once in surgery, drops are placed in the eye that Completely numb the eye for surgery. A drape is then placed over your face to ensure sterility.

	Two small incisions are then made in the clear part of the eye, the Cornea. The capsular bag is then opened and an Ultrasound Hand piece is used to breakup and remove the cataract as can be seen in the picture below.
	Once the cataract is removed, the Capsular Bag is polished and an Intraocular Lens is injected through one of the small incisions.
	After a minute or less, the lens implant unfolds and is centered in the capsular bag.

Once the implant is centered, the eye is checked for leaks and pressure. If everything is normal, you are then taken back to outpatient surgery for breakfast. Most times no stitches are required! Discomfort is minimal if at all! Most people notice an immediate improvement in vision but sometimes it takes until the next day to experience the full benefits.

If you would like more information on the latest, cutting edge surgical options for cataract extraction, please call our office at 318-212-3937!