What's a cataract?
A cataract is a cloudiness of the lens of the eye. Cataract affects nearly 20 million Americans 40 years of age and older. It can develop in one eye or both eyes and has a variety of causes. How extensively your vision is impaired depends on the size, location, and density of the cataract.
Who's at risk for cataract?
These factors put people at risk for cataract:
* advancing age
* other eye conditions
* certain drugs
* cigarette smoking
* nutritional factors
* obesity
* diseases like diabetes, kidney disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders
* physical factors like trauma or exposure to UV light.
What are the types of cataract?
There are three common types of age-related cataracts, named by their location in the lens: nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataract. More than one type can be present in the eye at the same time.
A nuclear cataract is associated with nearsightedness. As this type of cataract progresses, it can cause severe blurred or cloudy vision.
A cortical cataract can affect the edge of the lens and may not necessarily interfere with your vision. A cortical cataract progresses at a variable rate.
Posterior subcapsular cataract is common in younger people, and it develops as a result of prolonged steroid use or trauma to the eye.
What are the symptoms of cataract?
People with cataracts develop blurry vision and have cloudiness on the lens of the eye. Many people see halos at night around bright objects like light sources, or they become more sensitive to glare.
How will my health care provider know I have a cataract?
Your health care provider will perform an eye examination as well as several tests to measure the visual acuity of your eyes (their ability to see fine detail). The tests include:
* a Snellen test, which is performed using the lettered chart you've seen at your eye care provider's office with the large black E at the top.
* a slit lamp examination, in which your provider will shine a slit-shaped beam of light into your eye to see the different layers at the front of the eye.
* an ophthalmoscope examination, in which your provider uses a handheld instrument that allows him to see into the back of the eye.
If a cataract is very dense, your eye care provider may need to perform other tests as well.
How will my cataract be treated?
In its early stage, a cataract can be managed with regular visits to your eye care provider, who can revise your eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions to accommodate vision changes. If you don't already wear corrective lenses, she may prescribe them for you. Using appropriate lighting for reading and other close-up tasks may also help improve your eyesight.
If a cataract doesn't interfere with your normal everyday activities, you may not need surgery. But if you do need surgery, the procedure is relatively simple and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
If both eyes have cataract, the eye surgeon will treat one eye first, and then the second eye several weeks later. This allows time for the first eye to heal.
The most common surgical procedure for cataract is to remove the eye's lens and replace it with an artificial one made of silicone or plastic. The surgeon removes the natural lens using ultrasound technology that requires a small incision in the cornea (the clear, thin surface layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil). Then the artificial lens is inserted through the incision and put in place.
How do I care for my eye after surgery?
After surgery, you'll be given verbal and written instructions about how to protect your eye while it's healing. The instructions will include tips on how to administer prescription medications, including eyedrops. You'll also learn how to recognize problems so you'll know whether to contact your eye care provider.
You'll be given an eye shield to wear over the surgical eye to protect it, or your provider may tell you to wear eyeglasses at all times. You should wash your hands before and after touching or cleaning your eye and before and after you instill prescription eyedrops.
Your eye care provider may also recommend that you clean your eye as often as needed by closing the eye and wiping from the inside corner of your eye using a clean tissue. When you're showering, bathing, or washing your hair, be careful not to get water, soap, or other substances in your affected eye. Ask for help if you need it.
Avoid lying on the side of the affected eye on the night after surgery. Light activity is okay, but be sure to check with your eye care provider before you drive, perform any strenuous activity, or engage in sexual activity.
A little discharge from the surgical eye on awakening and some redness and scratchiness is normal for a few days after surgery. You can use a clean damp washcloth to remove morning discharge.
Call your eye care provider if you experience new floaters, flashing lights, decreased vision, increased redness, or pain that isn't alleviated by your prescription medications.
Your eye care provider will schedule a follow-up visit after your surgery. You may experience blurred vision for a few days to a few weeks after your surgery, but your vision will improve as the eye heals.
Keep in mind that cataract surgery doesn't correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. You'll still need corrective lenses for these problems after your surgery, although your provider may give you a new prescription.