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| Cataracts...what you should know What is a cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. |
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| What is the lens? The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. How do cataracts develop? Age-related cataracts develop in two ways: 1 The Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.
the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to cause blurred vision. Most age-related cataracts develop from protein clumpings.
Cataracts tend to "grow" slowly, so vision gets worse gradually. Over time, the cloudy area in the lens may get larger, and the cataract may increase in size. Seeing may become more difficult. Your vision may get duller or blurrier. As the clear lens slowly colors with age, your vision gradually may acquire a brownish shade. At first, the amount of tinting may be small and may not cause a vision problem. Over time, increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted to the retina. If you have advanced lens discoloration, you may not be able to identify blues and purples. You may be wearing what you believe to be a pair of black socks, only to find out from friends that you are wearing purple socks. The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:
• Personal behavior (smoking, alcohol use). • The environment (prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight). The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
• Colors seem faded. • Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights. • Poor night vision. • Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.) • Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses. These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional. Yes. Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:
in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use. • Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later. • Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed. • Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation. |
Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes: Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye. How is a cataract treated? The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush into surgery. Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. If you choose surgery, your eye care professional may refer you to a specialist to remove the cataract. If you have cataracts in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually four to eight weeks apart. Is cataract surgery effective? Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward. Are there different types of cataract surgery? There are two types of cataract surgery. Your doctor can explain the differences and help determine which is better for you:
doctor inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called "small incision cataract surgery."
rest of the lens is removed by suction.
clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens. Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another eye disease or have problems during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may be suggested. As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision. Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters. Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or hospital. Your eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible. A retinal detachment causes no pain. Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent loss of vision. The longer the retina stays detached, the less likely you will regain good vision once you are treated. Even if you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost. Talk to your eye care professional about these risks. Make sure cataract surgery is right for you. What if I have other eye conditions and need cataract surgery? Many people who need cataract surgery also have other eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. If you have other eye conditions in addition to cataract, talk with your doctor. Learn about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected results of cataract surgery. What happens before surgery? A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some tests. These tests may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps your doctor choose the right type of IOL. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery. What happens during surgery? At the hospital or eye clinic, drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed. The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless. Many people choose to stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short time. If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye. After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home. What happens after surgery? Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear. For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your doctor about how to use your eyedrops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye. When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores. In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress. Can problems develop after surgery? Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur. These problems can include infection, bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, double vision, and high or low eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems usually can be treated successfully. Sometimes the eye tissue that encloses the IOL becomes cloudy and may blur your vision. This condition is called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop months or years after cataract surgery. An after-cataract is treated with a laser. Your doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye tissue behind the lens to let light pass through. This outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in increased eye pressure or other eye problems. As a precaution, your doctor may give you eyedrops to lower your eye pressure before or after the procedure. When will my vision be normal again? You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving. If you received an IOL, you may notice that colors are very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an IOL, you will become used to improved color vision. Also, when your eye heals, you may need new glasses or contact lenses. What can I do if I already have lost some vision from cataract? If you have lost some sight from cataract or cataract surgery, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organizations and agencies offer information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments. A nearby school of medicine or optometry may provide low vision services. What research is being done? The National Eye Institute is conducting and supporting a number of studies focusing on factors associated with the development of age- related cataract. These studies include:
• Vitamin supplements, which have shown varying results in delaying the progression of cataract. • Genetic studies, which show promise for better understanding cataract development. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants. If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. In addition to cataract, your eye care professional can check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your sight. What should I ask my eye care professional? You can protect yourself against vision loss by working in partnership with your eye care professional. Ask questions and get the information you need to take care of yourself and your family. What are some questions to ask? About my eye disease or disorder…
• What caused my condition? • Can my condition be treated? • How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future? • Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur? • Should I make any lifestyle changes?
• When will the treatment start and how long will it last? • What are the benefits of this treatment and how successful is it? • What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment? • Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment? • If my treatment includes taking medicine, what should I do if I miss a dose? • Are other treatments available? • What kinds of tests will I have? • What can I expect to find out from these tests? • When will I know the results? • Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests? • Do these tests have any side effects or risks? • Will I need more tests later?
• Take notes or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape recorder to help you remember the discussion. • Ask your eye care professional to write down his or her instructions to you. • Ask your eye care professional for printed material about your condition. • If you still have trouble understanding your eye care professional's answers, ask where you can go for more information. • Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them, too. Where can I get more information? For more information about cataract, you may wish to contact:
P.O. Box 7424 San Francisco, CA 94120-7424 415-561-8500 www.aao.org American Optometric Association* 243 North Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63141-7851 314-991-4100 www.aoa.org National Eye Institute* National Institutes of Health 2020 Vision Place Bethesda, MD 20892-3655 301-496-5248 E-mail: 2020@nei.nih.gov www.nei.nih.gov Prevent Blindness America 500 East Remington Road Schaumburg, IL 60173-4557 1-800-331-2020 847-843-2020 E-mail: info@preventblindness.org www.preventblindness.org
Office of Consumer Affairs Parklawn Building (HFE-88) 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 1-888-463-6332 www.fda.gov
11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300 New York, NY 10011-2006 1-800-232-5463 212-502-7600 E-mail: afbinfo@afb.net www.afb.org Council of Citizens with Low Vision International 1-800-733-2258 Lighthouse International 111 East 59th Street New York, NY 10022-1202 1-800-334-5497 1-800-829-0500 212-821-9200 212-821-9713 (TDD) E-mail: info@lighthouse.org www.lighthouse.org National Association for Visually Handicapped 22 West 21st Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10010-6943 212-889-3141 www.navh.org * These organizations also provide information on low vision. |
"You'll 'See' - We Care."
Community Eye Care of Indiana
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