Cataract surgery has undergone an amazing transformation in the last several years. With the introduction of cataract procedures involving new Advanced Replacement Lens technology, cataract surgery has evolved from a standard medical procedure, with a single option for lenses, to one with a variety of vision correction options based on lens technology selection. Refractive Cataract Surgery can now not only remove the cataract, but with Advance Lens Replacement technology, may also reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses after surgery.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear natural lens in your eye, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. When the clear lens becomes milky, or dirty looking, it is called a cataract. Though painless, cataracts can blur your vision by restricting the amount of light that enters your eye. Cataracts can occur in either one or both eyes, but do not spread from one eye to the other.
Cataracts start out with a mild clouding and get cloudier over time. In the early stages, patients might not even be aware that they are developing a cataract. Some common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Problems with glare, halos or light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Colors seeming faded or yellowish
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Frequent changes in your prescription
- Needing more light to read
Who is at risk?
Since aging is a fact of life, everyone is at risk for developing cataracts. By the time you reach 60, you will probably have some degree of clouding, although yo7ur vision may not be impaired. Cataract surgery is recommended when people feel their quality of life is affected and their ability to perform normal activities such as driving, reading or sports are compromised.
