Your Aging Eyes

A Look at Cataracts and Their Treatment

Cataracts are common in aging eyes and are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Fifty percent of Americans ages 65 and older are affected by cataracts, and almost everyone develops cataracts during their lifetime. For this reason, cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in this country.

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. Your natural lens changes with age and makes you become dependent on reading glasses. This clouding will eventually interfere with your vision.

What are the symptoms?

• Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy or filmy vision
• Changes in perception of colors
• Problems with halos and glare when you are driving at night (headlights); glare from lamps or the sun
• Double vision or frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription

Treatment of cataracts

Cataract treatment involves a surgical procedure to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens that lasts forever. The new lens (implant) is necessary for everyone for the best visual improvement. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and after a short recovery time, you are able to go home that day. Most people have significantly improved vision right after surgery, with best vision occurring after a brief healing period.

What types of artificial lens implants are available for surgery?

Monofocal lens. This lens allows you to have less dependence on glasses at one area of focus — either distance vision or near vision. Most choose distance and need to use reading glasses after surgery.

Presbyopic lens. This lens allows you to have less dependence on glasses at multiple areas of focus — distance, intermediate and near vision — by acting as a bifocal. Many people are able to see without their glasses with this type of lens, but not everyone is a candidate for these lenses.

Lenses that correct astigmatism. These lenses can help eliminate astigmatism (a normal and naturally occurring curvature of the surface of the eye) and further increases the opportunity for a person to be less dependent on glasses.

Cataract surgery restores vision and enhances the quality of life for millions of people each year. To explore your need for surgery and the appropriate lens implant, schedule an examination by a Davis Duehr Dean eye care provider. Davis Duehr Dean has 14 surgeons specializing in cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants at 22 locations in southern Wisconsin. To find the one nearest you or to learn more, visit www.deancare.com/ddd or call 800-362-7796.

Back to Top