Cataract Surgery: What is a Cataract?
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image,on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image you see will be blurred.
How is a Cataract treated?
The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment.
Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. North Central Eye Associates are experts at no-stitch cataract surgery and helping you determine which type of lens replacement implant is right for you. Premium lens implants such as the CRYSTALENS or RESTOR lens can help you achieve complete independence from glasses, in many cases, after modern cataract surgery.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and our surgeons will make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. Cataract surgery is a covered medical expense under Medicare and private insurance plans.
What can I do to protect my vision?
Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.
If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. In addition to cataract, our surgeons will check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma,and other vision disorders. Early treatment
for many eye diseases may save your vision.
