A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging and are very common in older people. By 75 years old, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes, but cannot spread from one eye to the other. Cataracts occur when the natural lens in the eye begins to fog, making it difficult for light to be let into the eye.
Cataracts develop slowly over time, and can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. If a cataract develops to the point that it affects your daily activities, your Clear Advantage eye surgeon may recommend surgery.
The most common signs of a cataract include:
There is no medical treatment to prevent the development of cataracts. However, with today’s advances in technology, cataract surgery is a quick, virtually painless, bladeless procedure. During the surgery, the eye’s natural lens is removed and usually replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).
There are several types of lenses available, including AcrySof Toric IOL, Crystalens, Tecnis, and ReSTOR. Your ophthalmologist will help determine which lens is best for you depending on your lifestyle, refractive error, and desired dependence on eyeglasses.
Clear Advantage Vision Correction
155 Borthwick Avenue,
Suite 200 E.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
