Cataracts A cloudiness of the crystalline lens of the eye resulting in reduced vision
In a normal eye, the clear cornea allows light to enter. The iris controls the amount of light entering the eye by changing the size of the pupil. The light passes through a clear lens and is focused by the lens onto the back of the eye, or the retina, creating a sharp, clear image. Through the natural aging process, the clear lens gradually clouds and hardens. As the clouding increases, vision becomes fogged or blurry because the light is not clearly focused on the retina. A cataract may take a number of years to develop and usually form in both eyes, however not always at the same time. Although they are a natural part of the aging process and affect millions of Americans every year, they need to be properly diagnosed and treated.
A thorough eye examination can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort. There are no medications, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts. Surgery is the only way to correct your vision and remove the cataract. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia and generally involves two steps: the cloudy lens is removed and it is usually replaced with a uniquely designed lens called an IOL (intraocular lens), specifically powered for your eye. During surgery a small incision is made in the eye. Microsurgical instruments are used to break the cloudy lens into small pieces and then those pieces are suctioned out. The posterior or back capsule of the eye is left in place to help support the IOL. Today’s “No Stitch” procedure allows Garrett Eye Clinic’s cataracts patients to go home quickly and experience improved vision much sooner.