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CATARACTS
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye
responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images.
The lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die
they become trapped within the capsule. Over time, the cells accumulate
causing the lens to become cloudy, making images appear blurred
or fuzzy.
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Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process, the early signs
of which may be noted as early as age 50. Most cataracts progress
slowly, and are not visually significant; meaning affecting the
patient’s quality of vision, until approximately age 65 or
older.
In a young person, the lens is crystal clear and allows light to
pass through and focus on the retina. Cataracts prevent light from
passing easily through the lens, and this causes a decrease in vision
clarity. Cataracts usually form slowly, and cause no pain, redness,
or tearing in the eye. As the lens ages, the nucleus or center of
the lens becomes yellowed and loses its ability to accommodate (focus
for close work) although the lens usually remains clear. As the
lens continues to age, the nucleus turns from yellow to amber and
ultimately to brown. This condition is almost universal in older
persons. A cataract is not significant, however, until it interferes
with vision. If a cataract becomes large or dense, it usually can
be removed by surgery. Some cataracts stay small and don't change
eyesight significantly. While cataracts result in diminished acuity
because of the opacification of the lens, it does not affect a particular
portion of the field of vision. Patients with cataracts experience
decreased visual acuity, more difficulty seeing in poorly lit environments
due to decrease in contrast sensitivity.
Many people experience increased sensitivity to light and glare.
Reading material appears faded or hazy and is more difficult to
read in dim lighting. Patients sometimes also notice halos around
streetlights or headlights at night. Patients also frequently mention
overall sensitivity to glare, especially at night, such as the reflection
of light from metal on a car, road or pavement, or fluorescent ceiling
lights may cause glare.
Colors appear faded or washed out, for example, a wall that that
the patient knows to be white will appear off-white, or “dingy.”
Additionally, a change in the patient’s eyeglass prescription
may not improve visual clarity. During the day, patients with cataracts
may notice that they are more light sensitive, but sunglasses may
appear to reduce vision.
Cataract surgery is generally very safe, has a high success rate,
and is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S. It
is estimated that 95% of patients experience improved vision after
surgery, provided there are no other eye conditions or diseases
present. Approximately 5% of surgery cases result in minor complications.
During a cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the cloudy natural
lens of the eye and, in most cases, replaces it with a clear silicone
or acrylic lens. This implant is actually a prescription lens that
will improve the quality of distance vision for most patients, although
reading glasses are almost always still needed. |
Green Valley:
2598 Windmill Parkway
Southwest Las Vegas: 9100 W. Post Road Las
Pahrump office: 2120 E Calvada Blvd. Pahrump, NV – 89048-5805 Phone: 702.896.6043
Goldring Medical Center Office: 2020 Goldring Medical Plaza, Suite 401
Phone (702) 896-6043 • Toll Free (888) 425-2745 • jduncan@nee-nv.com
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