CATARACTS

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens inside your eye located behind the iris. The clouding varies in degree from slight to complete opacity. It causes light to be obstructed or scattered throughout the eye instead of focusing precisely on the retina.



A healthy lens focuses light images on the retina which sends images to the brain. A lens inhibited by a cataract can become so clouded it keeps light and images from reaching the retina. In a young person, for example, the lens is clear like glass, with no significant opacity or color tint. With age, the lens undergoes a change in clarity and color, becoming increasingly hazy and changing color from a yellow-green tint that progresses to orange-brown.



If the clouding of the lens is not near the center or focal point of the lens, a cataract can remain undetected. Early symptoms are noticed when sharp images become blurred, bright colors become dull, or seeing at night becomes more difficult. Eyeglasses that were once effective no longer seem helpful. Glare, light sensitivity, and double vision are also symptoms of a progressing cataract.



The most common type of cataract is related to the aging of the eye progressing gradually over a period of years. The condition usually affects both eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other. Some other causes of cataracts include diabetes, medications, steroids, radiation, long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight, previous eye surgery and family history. Neither diet nor lasers will make it go away.

The best way to treat a cataract is with surgery that removes the old, clouded lens and replacing it with a new, artificial lens. If, however, the symptoms of cataract are minor, surgery may not be needed. A simple change in eyeglass prescription may be effective. No medications, dietary supplements or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts. Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities. Dr. Robinson will recommend cataract surgery if it is appropriate.



Modern cataract surgery is a highly successful and common procedure. Basically, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a new artificial lens. This delicate surgery is preformed using a microscope, miniature instruments and local anesthetic. Dr. Robinson has been performing cataract surgery for over 30 years.



The surgical procedure usually takes under half an hour, restoring the focusing power of the natural lens by replacing it with a permanent intraocular lens (IOL) implant.