The preferred method of cataract surgery is lens replacement with a synthetic intraocular lens. Cataract surgery is generally indicated when cataract symptoms interfere with a person's ability to perform independent daily living needs.
Cataracts
Cloudy vision, foggy vision - that's how people describe cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that happens so gradually you may not really notice it until you have trouble driving at night or difficulty reading. At that point, you may need cataract surgery - a standard procedure that is very effective.
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Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family MedicineSee All 2 Answers -
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Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family MedicineSee All 2 Answers
The prognosis for cataracts is quite good. Cataracts are not known to cause death. They are generally easily treated via lens replacement surgery. This surgery is well tolerated and generally leads to substantial improvment in people's lives.
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See All 2 AnswersCataract surgery is typically done in an ophthalmologist's (eye doctor) office and takes an hour or less. Eyedrops are given to dilate the pupil, the area is numbed and some patients are given mild sedatives. Then a small incision is made in the capsule containing the cloudy lens, which is broken up (either with an ultrasound probe or manually) and removed. An artificial lens is then placed in the capsule. The incision may even be so small that stitches are not required. The eye will be uncomfortable for a couple of days, and vision will start to clear up over a few days. Complete healing often occurs within a couple of months.
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Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family MedicineSee All 2 Answers
There are no medications available to treat cataracts. No time-tested, FDA-approved or clinically proven medical treatment exists to delay, prevent or reverse the development of cataracts.
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Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family MedicineSee All 2 Answers
After a cataract surgery, people should avoid performing activities that would increase the intraocular pressure. These activities include lifting heavy loads, chronic vigorous coughing and straining. Similarly, trauma and exposure to toxic fumes or activities that increase the risk of eye injury should specifically be avoided. Most people have significant improvement in vision after surgery, but complications can occur. Postoperatively, regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor visual rehabilitation, as well as to detect and address any immediate and late complications arising from the surgery.
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See All 3 AnswersThe development of cataracts is painless. Usually both eyes are affected, although one eye can develop cataracts faster than the other. People usually experience problems with night driving, reading road signs or reading fine print. Colors might start to look duller, and bright lights like the sun or car headlights going through the cataracts can start to become a blinding glare.
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See All 2 AnswersCataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who makes a small incision around the cornea of the eye to gain access to the original lens. The doctor removes this lense and replaces it with a new implant lens.
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Dr. David R. Demartini, MD , Ophthalmology, answeredCataracts are very uncommon in children and many are partial and don't require intervention at all. If they cause significant opacity then they can be removed, one eye at a time, to restore vision.
Cataracts in children can be more problematic as a child must develop good vision in the first five years of life. If good vision is impaired by a cataract there is concern that the child may never develop normal vision in the eye that is obstructed by a cataract. Hence any child with even a small cataract needs to be followed by an eye doctor to be sure that normal vision development is occurring despite the cataract. If normal vision does not develop then the eye is unable to see normally and is called a lazy eye (amblyopia). Generally after age 5 years a lazy eye is unable to improve.