Cataracts are the clouding of the eye due to protein build up. It is commonly associated with the aging population, however, it can also be associated with a variety of different medical conditions other than aging. In order to better understand cataracts, it is essential to understand the anatomy of the eye and how the progression of cataracts occur. Anatomy Of The Eye: Each eye has a lens that is located behind the iris (the colored portion of the eye). The lens has three segments which include; the outer capsule, the cortex, and the inner nucleus. Cataracts can form in any of these layers of the lens. When a cataract forms in a specific layer of the lens it impedes an individual’s vision. Cataracts form in the lens of the eye and cause vision changes such as blurred or double vision by inhibiting light from entering the eye normally. Because it does not affect the retina when the cataract is removed the patient’s visual acuity becomes immediately better. If there is damage to the retina in addition to cataracts then even if the cataract is removed, a person’s vision will not change very much. Cataract removal will only improve the person’s vision if the cataract is impeding the light through the lens to the retina.

Symptoms of Cataract: The most commonly associated symptom with an advanced cataract is the impact it has on the individual’s vision. Many patients have compared cataracts to having a smudge on the end of a camera lens in which they cannot remove. That smudge impedes their ability to see and only becomes worse over time. Other symptoms include blurred vision, inability to see at night while driving, inability to see when there are situations that have a high glare (i.e. headlights, bright sunny days), and diminished sharpness of color. As the cataract progresses, the patient may also complain that their vision is constantly and consistently getting worse. These patients may present to the physician with the complaint that their current glasses prescription is no longer strong enough. Some patients experience symptoms of double vision, sensitivity to light, dim vision, need for increased light during reading, seeing halos around bright lights (i.e. headlights of a car), and/or yellowing of colors. Risk Factors For Developing Cataracts: Aging is a natural process that affects the lens of the eye. This aging process is slow and creates the progressive development of cataracts. Aging is a natural process that affects the lens of the eye.

Cataracts is the clouding of the eye due to protein build up. In order to be diagnosed with a cataract it is essential that as a patient you follow up with your Ophthalmologist. Being aware of the risk factors and the signs/symptoms of cataract development will help one to seek intervention more quickly. There are several specific examinations that the Ophthalmologist will perform in order to determine if the cataract is the cause of the disturbance in vision. The first test is known as a visual acuity test. This test uses the big eye chart that measures how well an individual can visualize the letters on the chart. Each eye is first tested independently of the other. The physician will have you read the smallest, clearest line from left to right beginning with the right eye and then with the left eye. The physician will then determine the results of this visual acuity test and determine if you have 20/20 vision in each eye. If there is a visual disturbance, the visual acuity test will show those specific signs. The ophthalmologist will then evaluate each eye using a slit-lamp. The slit-lamp evaluation allows the Ophthalmologist to evaluate the external structures of the eye, including the lens.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye due to protein build up. Cataracts result in visual disturbances that can be alleviated with surgical intervention. The Ophthalmologist will perform the surgery and remove the cataract. There are two types of surgeries that will be based on your individualized treatment plan. If the patient is high risk or has other medical conditions that interfere with the ability of the surgeon to replace the anatomic lens with an artificial intraocular lens, then the cataract will be removed and the vision will be corrected using contact lenses or glasses. In most cases, however, when the cataracts are removed from the eye, the anatomic lens is removed and replaced with an intra-ocular lens. This intraocular lens will correct the patient’s vision, creating 20/20 visual acuity in most patients. If 20/20 is unattainable because there is another eye pathology present, then the vision will be corrected as realistically as possible giving the specific circumstances. There are a variety of different intraocular lens types that will offer a spectrum of benefits. Therefore, it is imperative when determining if cataract surgery is the best option for your visual needs, to discuss the different intraocular lens types available that would provide you with the best possible outcomes.