Cataract Surgery

What is a Cataract?

 A cataract is a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye that blocks light from reaching the retina. A lens is just like a mirror which helps to compile light rays and form an image on the retina. Naturally, it's a clear and elastic structure. Cataract development is linked with increasing age.

The most common risk factor is increasing age but cataracts can develop early due to trauma, eye surgery, diabetes mellitus, and steroid use. The Eye Surgeons Associates team including Dr. Matthew Pieters in Lincoln Park, MI is highly specialized in cataract removal. 

The Signs And Symptoms Of Cataract

Under normal conditions light passes through the lens in the form of rays. This light focuses on the retina and an image is formed. Any abnormality that involves the lens leads to distortion of vision. When cataracts develop the lens in the eye hardens. The signs and symptoms of cataracts are:

• Trouble seeing in bright light, glare, and halos
• Blurring of vision
• Double vision
• Inability to distinguish between colors
• Inability to read
• Frequent changes in your spectacles

Risk Factors Of Cataract Development

The conditions that may lead to the early development of cataracts are the following:

• Advanced age
• Smoking
• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic alcohol use
• Chronic use of steroids medications
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight

Diagnosis Of Cataract

A cataract is usually diagnosed with a history and ocular examination. Your eye doctor at Eye Surgeons Associates will perform the following:

• Detailed history including onset of symptoms and medications 
• Ocular examination including dilation 
• Measurements of intraocular lens powers using ultrasound 

Treatment Of Cataract 

The development of cataracts is a slow and progressive process. Prevention and avoidance of risk factors can delay the onset of cataracts, but once mature surgery is the only treatment. In cases of mild visual impairment observation or glasses are advised. The surgery itself involves the removal of the hard lens within the eye and placement of an artificial lens in its place. In the case of bilateral cataracts, surgery will be performed on one eye at a time.

Types Of Cataract Surgery 

• Phacoemulsification

• This is a most commonly performed procedure

• Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
• This is a more modern process of cataract removal that utilizes a laser to assist in some steps of surgery
• Extracapsular cataract extraction

• This procedure is performed mostly in developing countries.

What You Should Know Before & After Cataract surgery?

A few days before cataract removal, your eye surgeon will perform an examination and ultrasound to determine the artificial lens (IOL) power.

There are many types of IOLs available depending on the patient's need:

• Monofocal lenses: allow you to see well at distance or near, but not both. Glasses are usually needed after surgery. 

• Multifocal lenses: aim to correct both distance and near vision; allow patients to be more spectacle independent

• Toric lenses: astigmatism correcting lenses

Cataract removal surgery takes less than an hour to perform. After surgery, your vision typically begins to improve within a couple of days. It's normal to have mild discomfort, itching, and blurring that may be observed in the initial days after surgery. 

 Outcomes Of Surgery 

The vast majority of people experience a significant improvement in their vision after cataract surgery. This often translates to an increased quality of life as well. 

Contact your surgeon at Eye Surgeons Associates if you experience any of the following:

• Blurred vision 
• Sudden onset vision loss
• Glare and halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Difficulty reading

If you are facing any of the above-mentioned problems, call Eye Surgeons Associates or schedule a visit online at www.esacares.com.

1. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery
2. https://www.eyesurgeonsassoc.com/services/advanced-cataract-surgery 
3. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/ss/slideshow-cataracts 

Author

Eye Surgeons Associates Drs. Zuhair H. Peracha, Manal H. Peracha-Riyaz, Eric Zuckerman, Matthew Pieters, and Leila Siblani are dedicated to excellence in eye care and service. We utilize the latest treatment methods and procedures, including routine eye care, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, retinal disease management, diabetic eye treatment, and eyelid surgery.