CATARACT

 Basic information

description

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens is a clear, flexible structure near the front of the eyeball. It helps to keep vision in focus and screens and refracts light. Cataracts may form in one or both eyes. If they form in both eyes, their growth rate may be very different. They can take several months or several years to develop. They do not spread from one eye to the other. Cataracts occur most often in older adults.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Blurred vision. It may be worse in bright light. The blurring may first become apparent while driving at night, when lights seem to scatter or have halos.
• Difficulty reading.
• Faded colors.
• Poor night vision.
• Double or multiple vision.
• Opaque, milky-white pupil (advanced stages only).
• Frequent changes in prescription for eyeglasses.

causes

• The lens of the eye is made up of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a certain way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. A cataract forms when some of the protein clumps together and begin to cloud a small area of the lens. Over time, it grows larger and affects vision.
• Congenital (present at birth) cataracts can occur.

risk increases with

• Natural aging.
• Illnesses with high blood sugar, such as diabetes.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Chronic eye disease.
• Exposure to some types of radiation.
• Family history of cataracts.
• Smoking.
• Use of steroid drugs.
• Surgery for other eye problems.
• Injury to the eye (cataract can occur years later).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. Getting medical care for eye disorders, wearing sunglasses (that filter UV light) outside during the day, and not smoking may help reduce the risk or delay cataract development. Research is ongoing for methods to prevent cataracts (e.g., use of antioxidants such as vitamin C).

expected outcomes

Some cataracts never impair vision enough to require surgery. During the time cataracts are forming, frequent eyeglass changes may help vision. Cataracts that cause vision problems can be cured with surgery.

possible complications

• Loss of vision.
• Postsurgery complications. These include inflammation, infections, bleeding, loss of vision, and light flashes. These can usually be treated successfully.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Cataracts are usually diagnosed with an exam done by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
• Treatment depends on amount of vision problems. Surgery to remove the cataracts is the only cure.
• If vision is not too badly affected, wear eyeglasses that provide maximum benefit. Wear sunglasses during the day for outside activities. Use a magnifying glass to read if needed. Improve the lighting in your home.
• Surgery to remove cataracts is recommended if vision loss interferes with daily activities, such as reading, watching television, or driving.
• Surgery may be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Usually one eye is operated on at a time (if cataracts are in both eyes). The eye lens is usually removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Different types of surgery are available. Your options will be explained to you. After surgery, you will be given instructions for home care.

medications

Eye drops or drugs taken by mouth may be prescribed after your surgery.

activity

No limits. Don't drive at night if your vision is poor.

diet

Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and green, leafy vegetables. It helps overall health and may be helpful in preventing cataracts.

 notify our office if

(Or notify your eye care provider).

• You or a family member has symptoms of cataracts.
• Any eye symptoms develop after cataract surgery.

Special Notes: