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When
cataracts are mentioned, people
often think of a film that grows on
their eyes causing them to see
double or blurred images. However, a
cataract does not form on the eye,
but rather within the eye.
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 cloud, making
images look blurred or fuzzy. For
most people, cataracts are a natural
result of aging.
In fact, they are the leading cause
of visual loss among adults 55 and
older. Eye injuries, certain
medications, and diseases such as
diabetes and alcoholism have also
been known to cause cataracts.
Treatment
Surgery is the only effective way to
remove a cloudy lens. Cataracts
cannot be removed with a laser.
Ophthalmological laser surgery can
be used after cataract surgery to
open part of the lens membrane which
may become cloudy after cataract
surgery.
Cataract surgery is highly
successful and over 90% of patients
who undergo surgery regains useful
vision. Once the cloudy lens,
natural lens of the eye is removed,
the patient needs a substitute lens
to focus the eye. Medical advances
have provided new ways to restore
vision after the lens is removed.
These include:
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Somewhat thinner and lighter
cataract glasses.
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Hard or soft contact lenses that
can be worn all day and removed
at night.
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Special extended-wear soft
contact lenses that can be left
in the eye from two to four
weeks.
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Intraocular lenses (IOLs) that
are permanent lenses implanted
inside the eye by surgery in
place of the natural lenses.
If any symptoms of cataracts are
noticed, an ophthalmologist should
be contacted as soon as possible.
Call Eyes Over Texas Eye Care Center
at 281-398-0747 to schedule your
consultation today or use our
convenient
online
appointment/consultation request
form. |
