Cataract 

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally transparent lens of the eye.  As the opacity thickens, it prevents light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.  More than fifty percent of people over the age of 60 suffer from cataracts and it is not uncommon for someone younger than 60 to be diagnosed with a cataract.

Age-related cataracts develop in two ways:

1. Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.  This is the most common way that age-related cataracts develop.  As the cataract grows, slowly over time, the vision becomes duller or blurrier.
2. The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.  This is a gradual change which does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted to the retina.  However, reading and performance of routine activities will become more difficult at the amount of tinting increases.

In addition to age, other risk factors for cataract include:

• Certain diseases (i.e. diabetes)
• Personal behavior (i.e. smoking, alcohol use)
• The environment (i.e. prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight)

Some of the symptoms of cataract include:

• Vision becomes cloudy or blurry.
• Fading of colors.
• A halo appears around lights and glare becomes problematic.  This is especially noticeable in that headlights, lamps, or sunlight appear too bright.
• Ability to see at night is decreased.
• Multiple images in one eye or double vision.  (It is not uncommon for this symptom to clear as the cataract grows.)
• Eyeglass or contact lens prescription must be changed frequently.

Are all cataracts the same?

No, there are several different types of cataract.  They include:

• Secondary Cataract - resulting after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma, or in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes.  Steroid use has also been connected to secondary cataracts.
• Traumatic Cataract -  resulting after an eye injury.
• Congenital Cataract - either present at birth or developed in childhood.  These cataracts do not necessarily affect vision, however, if they do , the lens may need to be removed.
• Radiation Cataract - develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

How does the eye care professional detect a cataract?

A comprehensive eye exam will be needed in order to detect a cataract.  This exam includes:

• Visual acuity test - measures how well you see at various distances.
• Dilated eye exam - allows magnified viewing of the retina and optic nerve.
• Tonometry - measures the eye pressure.

Dr. Cravey specializes in the treatment of cataracts (please follow this link for additional information): treatment of cataracts-Cataract Surgery

^{1 - You should check with your eye care professional if you experience any of these symptoms as they can also be a sign of other eye problems.}

^{Content courtesy of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Eye Institute.}