What are cataracts?
A cataract is a yellowing of the natural lens in the eye. It is not a growth. It is usually a gradual process in which the lens becomes less clear and harder to see through.
Sometimes the lens devolopes non-clear areas that are not yellow. The above example has a frosted flower like opacity that made it difficult for the patient to see.
The lens, when unclear, is unable to focus light the way it should. Often light is scattered and images become unclear. Problems seeing in bright or dim light are frequently mentioned by patients.
Cataract Surgery is an elective surgery. It's a "want to" surgery, not a "have to" surgery, most of the time.
When a patients vision becomes blurred by cataract to the point that they are having trouble doing their activities, we consider options. The vision can be like looking through a stained glass window. If the stained glass is dark enough, no glasses can help you see through the church window! The patient can consider surgery after consultation with the doctor.
During surgery the eye is numbed. Usually something is given for relaxation as well. The surgery usually only take a few minutes and usually does not hurt.
The cloudy natural lens, the cataract, is removed or liquified through a small opening. Ultrasound, or sound waves liquify the lens and usually the bag that hold the lens in place ( the capsule) is left alone.
The new clear lens implant replaces the cloudy old natural lens.
Often a surgeon could choose to not only replace the cloudy lens but also improve the prescription afterwards. The above patient used glasses to see in the distance before her surgery. Dr. Mahootchi incorporated her old glasses prescription into her implant (even the astigmatism). She now sees well in the distance without glasses.
Cataracts do not come back. But often the bag that holds the lens implant in place becomes less like Saran Wrap and more like wax paper with time.
When the vision bothers the patient, a laser procedure can be done to painlessly make a hole in the "wax paper" like membrane around the lens. This is usually done only once in a patients lifetime.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States and in the world. It restores vision to millions of patients each year. It is very successful but there are risks. You should discuss those risks with the doctor performing the surgery.
Brought to you by Dr. Mahootchi and The Eye Clinic of Florida
Proudly Providing Expert Cataract Care for Zephyhills, Pasco County and the Greater Tampa Bay Area
6739 Gall Blvd. Zephyrhills, FL 33542