|
|
Back
To Questions
All About Cataracts
-
Answers
1. What exactly is a cataract?
A cataract
is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can
be compared to a window that is frosted or "fogged" with
steam. The lens is located in the center of the eye directly
behind the iris, or the colored part of the eye, and it is the part
of the eye that focuses light on the back of the eye to form images.
When the lens of the eye becomes clouded, the light rays that
pass through the lens are diffused and images appear blurred. The
formation of a cataract is a very gradual, painless process and
most people do not notice early changes
2. Are
cataracts found only in older people?
Most cataracts
are a result of aging. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision
loss among adults age 55 and over. Cataracts can also result
from other medical problems such as diabetes, injury to the eye,
use of some medications (such as steroids), previous eye surgery
or from long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight.
3. My doctor
says I have a cataract, but he wants to wait a while before removing
it. Why?
Cataracts
usually start as very small and practically unnoticeable but grow
gradually larger and cloudier. Your doctor is probably waiting until
the cataract interferes significantly with your vision and your
lifestyle. You need to continue to visit your eye doctor regularly
so the cataract's progress is monitored. Some cataracts never really
reach the stage where they should be removed. If your cataract is
interfering with your vision to the point where it is unsafe to
drive, or doing everyday tasks is difficult, then it's time to discuss
surgery with your doctor.
4. Is cataract
surgery serious?
All surgery
involves some risk, so yes, it is serious. However, cataract surgery
is the most commonly performed type of surgery in the United States.
Many cataract surgeons have several thousand procedures under their
belt. Choosing a surgeon with this much experience will reduce the
risk of something going wrong.
5. How
are cataracts removed?
A small
incision is made into the eye. The surgeon will remove the
lens using ultrasound to break up the cataract and then the cataract
will be removed. The intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted to
replace the natural lens that has been removed.
6. My father
had cataract surgery a few years ago, and he had to wear thick glasses
afterward. Is this still necessary?
Most patients
choose to have an small artificial lens implanted during surgery.
The new intraocular lenses (IOL's) have replaced the need
for the heavy, thick glasses of past years. People who choose
not to have an IOL will have to wear contact lenses or glasses following
surgery. You discuss these
options with your surgeon to decide which is better for you.
7. How
much does cataract surgery cost?
The cost
of cataract surgery can vary from doctor to doctor. Most health
insurance plans cover most the cost of surgery.
8. What
are the possible risks of cataract surgery?
As with
any surgery, there are risks and possible complications associated
with cataract surgery. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks,
benefits and alternatives to surgery
with you before surgery. |
