A cataract is a clouding of the lens, which is a normal part of the eye. Everybody has a lens, so everybody has the possibility of developing a cataract. Cataracts can form due to normal aging, some diseases like Diabetes, medications like steroids, trauma to the eye, other eye surgeries, some behaviors like smoking or alcohol use, and some environmental conditions like exposure to UV light or radiation.

When the vision becomes blurry from a cataract or when it causes bothersome side effects like glare and haloes at night, itʼs time to think about removing the cataract. Certain tests performed at your consultation can help determine if your cataracts are at a point where insurance will pay for their removal. This testing will also help determine the best lens implant for your eyes to have put in during surgery. If youʼre not ready for cataract surgery, your local optometrist can fit you with glasses to correct your vision as much as possible.

If your cataracts need to be removed, this can only be done with a surgery. Dr. Powell performs cataract surgery using the most modern technique involving small incisions and topical anesthesia. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, so no overnight stay at a hospital is required. The entire process takes a couple of hours, but the actual surgery takes less than 10 minutes. Youʼll see as soon as the procedure is through, but your vision may be cloudy or hazy for a few days afterward. Thereʼs no patch to wear home and no stitches to take out later.

If youʼve been told you have cataracts, or if youʼre curious to see if you might, call us or click on the contact us button to schedule an evaluation.

Link to NEI Website about cataracts: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp