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A cataract is the clouding, or opacification,
of the native lens inside the eye.
Normal Healthy Eye
BROWN CATARACT
-OR-
NUCLEAR SCLEROTIC CATARACT
WHITE CATARACT
Do You Have
Normal
vision
the same
picture as
viewed by
a person
with
cataracts
cataracts?
by Christian D. Nilson, M.D.
A cataract is the clouding, or opacification, of the native lens inside
the eye. When we are younger, the lens is virtually clear and flexible.
The clearness allows light to pass into the eye and be focused into a
sharp image on the retina. The flexibility of the lens allows the eye
to see at distance and up close. As we age, the lens gets less flexible
and gradually more and more cloudy. The decrease in flexibility of
the lens causes an inability to see up close and brings on the need for
reading glasses or bifocals. The clouding of the lens causes scattering
of light and the inability of the eye to focus light correctly on the
retina which leads to blurry vision.
There are many symptoms of cataracts. The most common is a gradual,
painless blurring of the vision. Many people notice increased
glare and halos with night driving. One can also get more glare from
the sun especially at dawn or dusk. Others notice an increased need
for lighting, especially when reading. Many don’t notice it until after
the cataract has been removed, but the clouding of the lens can also
cause colors to dim or fade.
The most common cause of a cataract is age. Diabetes and certain
medications can hasten cataract development. Other potential
causes include eye injuries, eye surgery, and exposure to sunlight.
Genetics can play a role as well.
Unfortunately, there are no proven medications, supplements,
dietary changes, and/or exercises that can prevent or treat
cataracts. Good ultraviolet light blocking sunglasses may slow
the progression of the disease. However, the only way to effectively
treat a cataract is to remove it surgically.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed
in the United States. The technology keeps advancing, and
modern cataract surgery is safer and more effective than it has ever
been. In surgery, we remove the native lens that has turned cloudy
and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There
are many lens options available. There are lenses that can correct
your distance vision only; with these lenses, after surgery you will
still need to wear glasses for reading. If you need correction for
astigmatism, there are lens implants called Toric lenses that correct
astigmatism as well. Nowadays, there are Multifocal lenses that
can correct distance vision and up close reading vision without the
need for glasses. Your eye surgeon can evaluate you and help you
decide which lens is right for you.
Your ophthalmologist can help you understand your eye care
needs. You can then choose the best option to help you rediscover
your world with clearer vision.
Christian D. Nilson, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Northern Utah Eye Center
435.752.2020
www.NorthernUtahEyeCenter.com
Symptoms of
Cataract
• Cloudy or blurry vision.
• Colors seem faded.
• Increased glare or halos from the
sun, lamps, or headlights.
• Poor night vision.
• Double vision or multiple images
in one eye.
• Frequent prescription changes in
your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
These symptoms can also be a sign
of other eye problems. Call your eye
physician for a complete eye exam.
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