Cataracts

Learn More About Cataract
and Treatment Options

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Cataract Lens Options

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A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina. More than 50% of people over age 60, and some younger, have cataracts. Cataracts worsen over time and vision changes may be gradual or may become symptomatic quickly.

What are the symptoms of cataract?

• A gradual deterioration in vision over time
• Objects may appear yellow, hazy, blurred or distorted
• Vision at night or in low light conditions may be reduced
• Vision in bright light or in the sun may be difficult due to glare
• Halos may appear around bright lights at night

   Vision With A Cataract

Normal Vision

There is no treatment to reverse or prevent cataracts. To achieve clear vision, the cataract must be removed. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL). The surgery is a modern, out-patient procedure. The stay at an ambulatory surgical center is just a few hours and recovery time after surgery is minimal. Most people enjoy improved vision with minimal dependence upon corrective eyewear as a result of modern cataract surgery.

New Options for Cataract Patients with Astigmatism

Surgery to treat cataracts is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. Traditionally, the surgeon implants a monofocal artificial lens, commonly called an "intraocular lens" (IOL). If you have astigmatism, however, you may still experience blurred and distorted vision because a standard IOL cannot correct astigmatism.

New technology may give you an additional option… an implantable lens that makes it possible to treat the cataract and correct the corneal astigmatism at the same time. The unique design of the AcrySof Toric lens provides significantly improved distance vision and may reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. The surgeons at Murphy-Watson-Burr Eye Center will recommend the IOL option that is best for you.

YAG Laser:
Cataract surgery complications are few, but one of the most common is posterior capsule opacity, which you may have if your vision is cloudy or blurry after cataract surgery. This occurs in roughly 20% of cataract patients. A posterior capsule opacity is a hazy membrane just behind the artificial intraocular lens that was implanted during your cataract surgery to replace the eye's natural lens.

Fortunately, a YAG laser can treat posterior capsule opacity safely, effectively and painlessly. This procedure, called YAG posterior laser capsulotomy, is performed in the office. Your eyes will be dilated for this procedure so you may want to bring a driver with you. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is entirely painless. Most people can expect their vision to improve within a day.