Cataracts

CATARACT

The lens inside the eye is normally almost transparent.  Its function is to help focus light onto the retina, the back lining of the eye.  The term cataract refers to any loss of transparency.  Cataracts occur in many forms and are due to a variety of causes.  Most commonly, cataracts are associated with aging.  They may also be caused by trauma, radiation, ultraviolet light, medications, and systemic diseases (such as diabetes) and some cataracts are congenital.  Not all cataracts are progressive, but those that are cause a gradual, painless loss of vision.

In the early stages of cataracts, frequent changes in prescription can often help preserve vision.  Cataract surgery is indicated when the decrease in vision starts to interfere with the patient’s normal activities.  Cataract removal, one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States, has very good results and low complication rates.

 

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