What is a cataract?
A cataract occurs when the eye's naturally clear lens becomes cloudy. Since light rays cannot pass easily through the lens, vision becomes blurry. A cataract is not a growth or a film.  

What causes a cataract?
Cataracts usually develop as part of the normal aging process. They can also result from eye injuries; certain diseases, such as diabetes; some medications, such as steroids; genetic inheritance; or frequent, unprotected exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun.

Cataracts also occur in children; they can be present at birth or develop later in life. Many of the cataracts that are discovered in newborns are small and allow for excellent development of vision. Others can lead to blindness if not treated early with cataract surgery. The outlook is good for children after cataract surgery.

How do I know if I have a cataract?
Cataracts start out small and have little effect on vision at first. But as the cataract grows, it clouds more of the lens. You should see your eye doctor if you experience:

• Painless blurring of vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Double vision in one eye
• Poor night vision
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

How is a cataract treated?
If your vision is only slightly blurry, a cataract may not need to be treated. Changing your eyeglass prescription may help to improve your vision for a while. Once a cataract has formed, no medications, eyedrops, exercises or glasses will cause it to disappear.

Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. Consider surgery when you are unable to see well enough to do the things you like to do.

What happens during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is highly developed and safe. The cloudy lens is removed from the eye through a surgical incision (not with a laser). A permanent intraocular lens is implanted into the eye to correct vision. The surgery is done through very small incisions; most don't require stitches. This outpatient procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. The patient is awake for the surgery and usually feels no pain.

When will I see results?
Vision usually improves daily after cataract surgery. You will use eye drops for three to four weeks as your eye heals. After a month, your vision will be tested and you'll receive a new eyeglass prescription, if needed. Cataracts do not come back after they're removed.

Consult an Eye Care Associates doctor
To determine if you have a cataract and what your treatment options are, make an appointment with an experienced eye doctor at Eye Care Associates of Greater Cincinnati.