Cataracts
Don’t Let Cataracts Cloud Your Vision
What You Need to Know About Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye. The lens is that portion of the eye that is responsible for about one-third of the eye’s focusing power. Cataracts begin slowly and often are not noticed at first. The clouding of the lens causes images to appear dull or grayish and for colors to appear washed out. This dull vision occurs because the clouding of the lens causes incoming light to be scattered on the retina. Cataracts are generally associated with aging, but can also be caused by other factors.
Diagnosing Cataracts
Cataracts can be detected by a device called a slit lamp. The slit lamp allows the doctor to observe if there are any clouded spots or yellowing of the lens. Things to be aware of:
- Cataracts do not affect everyone in the same way
- Cloudy areas that develop can start small and grow over time
- Location of the cloudiness plays a factor in the severity of the cataract
Benefits of Cataract surgery
Treatment Options
When a cataract progresses to the point of impairing your vision, you may need cataract surgery. During cataract surgery the natural lens of the eye is removed and an artificial lens — called an “intraocular lens” or IOL — is inserted into the eye. There are different types of intraocular lenses available. VisionAmerica will help you determine which is best, based on your specific eye health along with your post-operative vision goals.
Benefits Of Cataract Surgery
INTRAOCULAR LENSES (IOLs)
IOLs are FDA-approved artificial lenses that are implanted inside the eye to replace the eye’s natural lens when it is removed during cataract surgery.
There are two main types of IOLs: conventional monofocal IOLs and technologically advanced presbyopia-correcting IOLs.