What is a Cataract?

The eye’s lens is responsible for helping to focus light on the retina in the back of the eye.  A cataract forms when proteins within the lens begin to cluster together, causing the lens to cloud. If the lens is cloudy, it cannot properly focus the image on the retina. This makes vision blurry and colors indistinct. When your lifestyle is threatened by a cataract, it is time to consult the doctors at Augusta Eye M.D. about your options.
           
WHY a cataract develops

What causes the lens to cloud? In most cases, the culprit is the normal aging process. If you are age 65 or older, you probably have a cataract, but it may not have progressed to the point that it affects your vision. Certain lifestyle choices and relatively common health conditions, like diabetes, may hasten cataract development. Nutrition may play at least a limited role.  Some research suggests that antioxidant vitamins, like vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamins C and E, and selenium, may slow cataract development. All of these are available in common multivitamin formulas. Beyond that, the use of nutritional supplements carries its own risks; you should consult your physician before adding them to your diet.

Are cataracts inevitable?

If you live long enough, you will almost certainly develop cataracts, because they are part of the normal aging process. However, studies suggest accumulated exposure to ultraviolet light causes the natural lens to cloud, and that certain lifestyle choices and relatively common health conditions, like diabetes, hasten cataract development.

The SYMPTOMS of cataracts

Cataracts do NOT generally cause pain, discomfort, redness, discharge, or sudden, alarming vision changes that would lead you to seek immediate help. The changes caused by cataracts generally develop so slowly that you won’t notice them until they are serious enough to affect your normal lifestyle.

Back to Top

Advanced Cataract Surgery at Augusta Eye MD

SURGERY to correct a CATARACT

Cataract surgery THEN:

Some of us can still recall the way cataract surgery was done in our parents’ and grandparents’ day: the hospital stay, the sandbagging, and the lengthy recovery time…and don’t forget the “coke bottle” glasses they had to wear for the rest of their lives.

Cataract surgery NOW:

The more than three million people who will have cataracts removed this year are fortunate to live at a time when cataract correction is so very convenient, safe, and comfortable.

What does cataract surgery involve?

During the outpatient cataract procedure, the surgeon removes the clouded lens and implants an artificial replacement lens—either a standard lens or a premium lens—in its place. The incision heals naturally and no stitches are necessary. After the procedure, you will be allowed to return home. Vision improves immediately following surgery, with complete recovery in a few days.

Topical eye drops are administered to anesthetize the eye and dilate the pupil, and medications are given for relaxation. The cataract is removed using the latest microincisional techniques and a crystal-clear replacement lens is implanted.  This procedure is virtually pain-free.  After the procedure, drops will be administered to control inflammation and prevent infection.  The very small incision requires no stitches and heals quickly.

Before surgery, you will be given an opportunity to select the type of lens you want to have implanted. Relax…there are no “bad” choices.  Each of the lenses you will be offered will give you clear vision.  The choice you make will be affected by (among other things), how you feel about remaining dependent on reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery.
One of your choices is a monofocal replacement lens.  You will have clear vision, but a monofocal lens cannot compensate for age-related loss of reading vision (“presbyopia”), so those who opt for this type of replacement lens usually need glasses to improve near vision or to fine-tune distance vision.  Most monofocal lens recipients are quite happy with their choice.  HOWEVER, if you are bothered by your need for reading glasses or bifocals, you may want to consider another type of lens. 

When can I resume normal activity?

Most patients are able to drive and return to work after only two to three days.  The eye may still be sensitive to light, and sunglasses are recommended for outdoor activity.  Our doctors will advise you as to when you can resume the use of eye makeup and will answer your questions as to other activities you should avoid while the eye is healing.

Can cataracts be removed from both eyes on the same day?

Generally, a cataract is removed from one eye first, with our doctors monitoring the healing and vision of that eye before scheduling the procedure for your other eye.

Advanced Cataract Surgery at Augusta Eye M.D. is...

  • SAFE:  Our doctors perform cataract correction under the high magnification of a microscope using small instruments and ultrasound energy.
  • COMFORTABLE:   Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye during cataract surgery. Sophisticated, modern techniques mean NO stitches or patches are necessary in most cases.
  • EFFECTIVE:   Patients experience an almost immediate improvement in vision and a speedy recovery.
  • STATE-OF-THE-ART:  AEMD utilizes the latest surgical techniques, automated surgical equipment, and replacement Intra Ocular Lens Implants in order to give you the best possible vision.
  • AFFORDABLE:   We gladly accept Medicare assignment.

For more information about cataract surgery visit ascrs.org

Back to Top