Cataract Surgery

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding (opacification) of the normally clear lens of the eye. Light passes through the eye’s lens, and the lens then focuses this light on the retina so you can see. When the lens is cloudy or opaque, it interferes with this passage of light and blurs vision.

There are several types of cataracts, the most common being:

• Nuclear cataracts that affect the main body of the lens
• Cortical cataracts that affect the edges of the lens, like spokes of a wheel
• Posterior subcapsular cataracts that affect the back of the lens centrally

There are some common misconceptions about cataracts. Cataracts are a change in the size, shape, and color of the human lens, not a film over the eye. Cataracts are usually a feature of aging, but can affect each eye independently. Most importantly, cataract blindness is usually reversible. In fact, cataract surgery is a safe, common, and simple procedure that can improve eyesight.

What Causes Cataracts?

The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye, with cataracts developing gradually over a period of years in later adult life. According to the x Trusted Source Cataract data and statistics National Eye Institute Go to Source National Eye Institute , more than half of all Americans age 80 or older have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts.

Cataracts, however, can also be caused by genetics; disease (such as diabetes); an eye injury or past eye surgery; smoking; or use of certain medications (such as corticosteroids). Cataracts may even exist at birth (congenital cataract). In some cases, cataracts may progress rapidly over a few months, but overall, it is difficult to predict how fast a cataract will develop for any given individual.

Cataract Symptoms

You may notice some changes in your vision if you have a cataract. The most common symptoms include:

• Cloudy vision
• Colors that seem faded
• Double vision (seeing two images instead of one)
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Needing brighter light to read
• Poor night vision
• Seeing x Trusted Source Cataracts Cleveland Clinic Go to Source halos around lights

Traditional vs Laser Cataract Surgery

During traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon uses a handheld instrument called a microkeratome to incise, dismantle and suction out the cataract. During femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), a laser is used to create the incisions and dismantle the lens under computer control before the surgeon suctions out the lens. In both instances, the surgeon places a lens implant. Both methods are safe and effective. We utilize the femtosecond laser to assist with specific cataract surgical patients to achieve the best results. Although traditional cataract surgery is typically covered by medical insurance, additional fees may apply for the use of laser technology, which is typically not covered by insurance.