August 6, 2001
One of the most common types of surgery performed in the United States each year is the removal of cataracts. This is partly due to the fact that so many people develop this condition. In fact, over half of the population aged 60 and older (approximately 60%) have cataracts; by age 75, over 70% of Americans have cataracts. Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective operations performed today. Since August is Cataract Awareness Month, and because most of us are likely to be affected by cataracts at some point in our lives, this is an optimal time to become more familiar with this condition.
A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye that can diminish vision. Normally, the lens and the cornea focus light rays on the retina. When a cataract begins to form, vision is often not noticeably affected, but with time, the cataract becomes more and more cloudy and hardens. This reduces the amount of light that reaches the retina, and symptoms become more obvious. Common symptoms of cataracts include blurred or cloudy vision, glare from light (especially at night), double or multiple vision, colors appear faded, and night vision in general worsens.
Although we commonly associate cataracts with growing older, they can result from injury, heredity, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and medications. Some scientists believe smoking also may be a cause. Age-related cataracts are the most common, and occur as the body ages. Sometimes, babies are born with cataracts, often as a result of congenital disorders. Secondary cataracts are those which develop when certain medications, such as steroids, are used, or as a result of other health problems, such as diabetes. And traumatic cataracts may develop soon after an injury to the eye; on occasion, these cataracts even may result years after the injury occurred.
Once a cataract develops, it may be treated for a time by using stronger lenses in eyeglasses and contacts, but usually will progress until the condition is alleviated through the use of surgery. Cataracts may develop very slowly or very quickly; in-slow growing cataracts, the use of stronger lighting and magnifying lenses may improve vision sufficiently to avoid surgery for a long time. People are able to live with cataracts for lengthy periods of time. However, when vision loss interferes with daily activities, it is probably wise to consider cataract removal.
When a person has cataract removal surgery, all or part of the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The operation usually requires about an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis. Many people stay awake during the operation, which is almost painless, with the assistance of an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around the eye. The cataract often is removed surgically (requiring an incision) or using a combination of surgery and ultrasound to dissolve the cataract. An artificial lens is then implanted. There may be mild to moderate discomfort immediately following the surgery, but this usually disappears in 1 to 2 days. Most people resume normal activity soon after. Typically, the eye will heal completely in about 6 weeks.
Because an early cataract may not be accompanied by noticeable symptoms, it is a wise practice to have annual comprehensive eye examinations. Such an exam includes a visual acuity test, pupil dilation so the inside of the eye may be examined, and tonometry, which measures fluid pressure inside the eye. For further information about eye health, contact the Central Connecticut Health Department at 721-2822.