- What is a Cataract?
Cataracts
A Cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. A normal lens is clear. It focuses light on the back of the eye (retina). A cataract blocks some of the light making the vision blurred.
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| Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy or filmy vision |
| Changes in the way you see colors |
| Problems driving at night because headlights seem too bright |
| Problems with glare from lamps or the sun |
| Frequent changes in your eye prescription |
| Double vision |
| Apparent improvement in near vision |
- How are Cataracts Diagnosed?
- How are Cataracts Treated?
- Can a Cataract Return?
A regular eye exam is all that is needed to find a cataract. Your vision will be checked and you probably will get eye drops to dilate (enlarge) the pupils. This helps us to see the inside of your eyes. Instruments such as the ophthalmoscope and Slit Lamp are used to detect cataracts and other eye diseases.
Sometimes a change in glasses is all that is needed. But that is usually temporary. As a cataract increases and vision becomes dim, surgery may be necessary. This involves removing all or part of the lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
Animation showing cataract, removed and implant in place
No, because most or all of the lens has been removed. However, in some people the lens capsule becomes cloudy. This condition is treated with a laser.
