Cataract Surgery

Cataract Information and Treatment

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. This cloudy area obstructs light as it passes through the lens of your eye.

There are 3 types of cataracts, each occurring on a different area of the lens:

• Nuclear cataracts occur in the center of the lens
• Cortical cataracts occur as wedge-shaped spokes extending from the outside of the lens to the center
• Subcapsular cataracts occur at the back of the lens

Cataract Symptoms

Symptoms develop depending on the thickness and type of the cataract. In general, cataracts might cause the following vision issues:

• Blurred or dimmed vision (particularly at night)
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Visual distortions or “ghost images”
• Increased nearsightedness
• Difficulty reading or driving

Normal vision

Simulated vision with cataracts.

Cataracts develop for different reasons:

• Age-related cataracts are the most common, resulting from a natural build-up of proteins in the lens
• Congenital cataracts may be present at birth or developed during childhood. They may need to be removed if they affect a child’s vision.
• Secondary cataracts develop when other health conditions (such as diabetes) are present
• Traumatic cataracts can develop after an eye injury

Cataract Treatment

Cataract treatment depends on the type and severity of cataract:

• If your vision is slightly blurry, treatment might not be necessary
• If your vision is moderately diminished, we will help you determine the proper change in your eyeglasses prescription
• If your vision is significantly diminished, our board-certified ophthalmologists will perform cataract surgery

Contact us if you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts and would like to learn more about your treatment options. One of our board-certified ophthalmologists will meet with you, properly diagnose the type of cataracts you have, and recommend the appropriate treatment.