Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery Q & A

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the clear natural lens in the eye. In a normal eye, light passes from outside of the eye, through the eye’s transparent lens to the retina. The retina is the part of the eye that transforms this light into signals, which are sent to the brain to give us our vision and help us see the world. When cataracts develop in the lens, the image the retina sends to the brain becomes cloudy, thus damaging our vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly. However, as clouding progresses, the cataract eventually interferes with vision and everyday life and it is time to consult a eye specialist.

When do Cataracts occur?

Cataracts most often appear as a normal part of the aging process. Most people begin to develop cataracts in their 50’s, but they are typically small and do not affect vision greatly. Though once people reach their 60’s, cataracts have a much higher chance to affect vision.

Although cataracts are most commonly associated with age, there are also some other conditions that can cause cataracts to occur. Cataracts have also been linked to smoking and alcohol use, environmental exposure such as pollution and sunlight, and as a side effect of diseases such as diabetes. Regardless of your age, it is best to make an appointment to see an eye doctor. Book an appointment with us using the online appointment or a phone call.

What causes Cataracts?

The natural lens in the eye works very similarly to a camera lens, focusing light that goes through it onto the retina to give us clear sight. Retina consists mostly of water and protein. As the we ages, some of the protein in the lens may start to get stuck together and develop a cloud on the lens. In initial cataract stages, we may only notice small changes in their vision but over time, the cloudy protein will usually grow larger and make it hard for us to see.

How do I know if I have cataracts?

These are the common cataracts symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Trouble seeing at nighttime
• Halos around lights, headlights when driving
• Strong glares from sunlight and bright environments
• Experiencing double vision in one eye
• Frequently needing to change the prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses

If you are experiencing trouble with your vision, call us or book an appointment with our doctors online.

What are the Treatment options for Cataract?

Early symptoms of cataracts can sometimes be treated with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. Usually when we become older and our symptoms affect our daily lives, cataract surgery is the only effective option to improve a our vision.
There are two treatment options available

• FLACS (Femtosecond Laser Assisted. Cataract Surgery). Click to learn more.
• Phaco (Phacoemulsification). Click to learn more.