CATARACTS
A cataract is the clouding in the lens of the eye, impeding the passage of light, which leads to vision loss. This painless condition usually occurs with aging, but there are risk factors which accelerate or foster development, such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, tobacco use, physical trauma, and diabetes.
Diagnosis and assessment of cataracts are made by your eye doctor, usually with a comprehensive dilated fundus (retina) exam. Treatment involves removal of the cataract, and placement of an artificial lens implant. Cataract removal is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed today, but as always, discuss any risks with your eye care professional. An updated eye glass prescription can sometimes delay the need for cataract surgery.
To help slow the progression of cataracts, your optometrist or ophthalmologist may recommend sunglasses with good UV protection and reducing risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, managing diabetes, and corticosteroid use. Some also believe that a diet high in vitamins, antioxidants, and carotenoids (contained in some fruits and leafy green vegetables) may help protect against cataracts. When a cataract is sufficiently developed, surgery may be indicated. During the comprehensive eye examinations, the doctor will be able to diagnosis and evaluate the prognosis for surgery, if required. If cataract removal is recommended, the surgery will be performed by a cataract specialist. The most effective and common treatment is to make an incision (capsulotomy) into the capsule of the cloudy lens in order to remove the cataractous lens, which is then replaced with a plasic lens which stays in the eye permanently.
Diagnosis and assessment of cataracts are made by your eye doctor, usually with a comprehensive dilated fundus (retina) exam. Treatment involves removal of the cataract, and placement of an artificial lens implant. Cataract removal is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed today, but as always, discuss any risks with your eye care professional. An updated eye glass prescription can sometimes delay the need for cataract surgery.
To help slow the progression of cataracts, your optometrist or ophthalmologist may recommend sunglasses with good UV protection and reducing risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, managing diabetes, and corticosteroid use. Some also believe that a diet high in vitamins, antioxidants, and carotenoids (contained in some fruits and leafy green vegetables) may help protect against cataracts. When a cataract is sufficiently developed, surgery may be indicated. During the comprehensive eye examinations, the doctor will be able to diagnosis and evaluate the prognosis for surgery, if required. If cataract removal is recommended, the surgery will be performed by a cataract specialist. The most effective and common treatment is to make an incision (capsulotomy) into the capsule of the cloudy lens in order to remove the cataractous lens, which is then replaced with a plasic lens which stays in the eye permanently.
