Oklahoma Eye Center

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. The normally clear lens lets light enter the eye. As it becomes cloudy, less light enters and vision becomes blurry. Cataracts are common with age and can occur in one or both eyes. The clouding of the lens usually happens slowly over time. But it can happen quickly.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts may be caused by many things, including the following

Aging
Diabetes or other eye diseases
Past eye infections, injuries, or surgery
Some medicines (such as steroids)
Too much ultraviolet (UV) light, especially from sunlight
Cataracts can also run in families

What Are The Symptoms?

Cataracts are not painful. But you may notice theses symptoms.

Blurry Vision
Details are hard to see
Glare when driving or reading
More light is needed to read
Some colors seem dull
Your prescription for glasses keeps changing
Double vision in one eye

When Should You See Your Eye Doctor?

Regular eye exams help your doctor se if cataracts are affecting your vision. Have exams as often as your doctor suggests. But if your vision suddenly gets worse, see your doctor right away. It could be an eye problem that needs prompt care. During your eye exams, you can discuss whether surgery is needed for cataracts.

Your Eye Exam

When checking for cataracts, your eye doctor will do the following:

Ask you questions about your health and family history. This helps your doctor rule out other vision problems
Test your vision to tell how well you see and whether your vision is getting worse. Bring any glasses and contact lenses you wear to your exam.
Examine your eyes. Drops are used to dilate your pupils. This allows you to better see your eye's lenses. It also lets your doctor check for other problems inside your eye.

When is Surgery Needed?

Since cataracts develop slowly, you may not need surgery right away. Your doctor may ask you to get new eyeglasses. You may need to use more light for detailed tasks like reading, or watching your favorite sports event - your doctor may suggest surgery.

Removing the Cataract

Doctors usually operate on only one eye at a time. The clouded lens may be broken apart (phacoemulsification) with a special instrument. The doctor removes the lens pieces through a small opening. Then a new artificial lens is placed in the eye through the same opening.

After Surgery

After your eye has healed, your vision should be clearer. Other steps may be taken to make your vision even better.

Eyeglasses may sharpen your vision.
Sometimes the capsule that holds the new lens becomes cloudy. This may happen months or years after surgery. If it does, a laser is used to make a small opening in the capsule. This makes your vision clearer. The procedure takes only a few minutes in the doctor's office.

It's Up to You

Do you have cataracts? If so, take these steps:

Have eye exams as often as suggested by your eye doctor.
If cataracts limit your daily tasks, talk to your doctor about treatment. Surgery can often restore your vision. You can usually return to your daily tasks soon after.

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