crystalline lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing light on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision. A cataract causes images to look dull, keeping us from seeing clear and crisp.
At first you may not know, attributing the unclear vision and impaired depth perception to the need for better lighting or stronger glasses. An eye examination done by a qualified eye doctor would discover the cataract. Some other symptoms may include:
- Cloudy and/or blurry vision
- Double vision
- Halo or glare effects
- White spots over the pupil
- Loss of vision over time
- Problems seeing at night
- Loss of color perception
- Loss of contrast sensitivity
Cataract is a natural aging process. Everyone will eventually develop a cataract sometime in their life. Cataracts usually develop starting between age 40 - 50, about half of the population has a cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over 75 has at least one. But in rare cases, infants can have congenital cataracts caused by heredity.
We are all at risk for cataracts since it is a natural aging process. Cataracts can also develop as a result of family history, eye injury, previous eye surgery, eye diseases, medications such as steroids, medical problems such as diabetes and long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight.
As cataracts progress images aren’t as crisp and clear as they once were. Cataracts may cause you to see dull images, be sensitive to light, notice more glare, or have difficulty driving at night. If you want to improve your quality of vision and think you may be suffering from cataracts, call Dr. Jani today at (888) 393-5264.
A cataract is generally treated through surgery. The entire cataract procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. The surgeon creates a tiny incision on the edge of your cornea and then uses an ultrasound system to break up and remove the cataract. Next, the lens is replaced with an artificial lens implant known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Depending on the type of intraocular lens that is best for you, a standard monofocal or multifocal lens will be inserted in the eye. The monofocal and multifocal lenses have different objectives and you would need to consult with your eye surgeon to determine which one best fits your needs.
Vista Eye offers a variety of lenses that will help you reduce your need for glasses and contacts. Depending on your lifestyle, these lenses will help with near, far, and intermediate vision.The premium advanced intraocular lenses which restore near vision are ReSTOR® and Tecnis Multifocal. Crystalens® is an accommodating intraocular lens meaning that the lens moves inside the eye as the eye muscles contract and relax. This lens provides continuous focusing at multiple ranges. Tecnis and ReSTOR are considered multifocal intraocular lenses. Multifocal intraocular lenses are fixed lens implants meaning that they are stationary inside the eye. Concentric rings of power in the optic lens enable the eye to focus at multiple ranges. Multifocal intraocular lenses tend to produce more glare and halos than a standard intraocular lens and Crystalens.Consult with Dr. Jani today to find out which one of these amazing lenses is right for you!
A cataract usually starts very small and practically unnoticeable but grows gradually larger and cloudier. Your eye doctor is probably waiting until the cataract interferes with your vision and your lifestyle. You need to continue to visit your eye doctor regularly so the cataract's progress is monitored. If your cataract is interfering with your vision to the point where it is unsafe to drive, or interfering with your daily tasks, then it's time to discuss surgery with your eye surgeon.
Any type of surgery involves some risk and should be considered a serious matter. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed type of surgery in the United States. More importantly, you want to choose the right surgeon. Dr. Jani is a fellowship trained cataract surgeon with extensive experience and has performed thousands of cataract surgeries.
As with any surgery, pain, infection, swelling, and bleeding are possible. Very few patients have serious problems or cataract surgery complications. Your surgeon may prescribe medications for these side effects. Retinal detachment is also a known risk factor after cataract surgery. Signs and symptoms included sudden increase in floaters, flashing lights, curtain or veil in your visual field, loss of your visual field, and/or decreased vision. If you are concerned about a possible retinal detachment, notify your eye surgeon immediately.
Medicare and most health insurance plans will cover most or all of the cost of cataract surgery and a basic intraocular lens, but not the cost of a premium intraocular lens (IOL) which simultaneously helps you to see at near, intermediate, and distant ranges. If you elect to have a premium lens for your cataract surgery expect to pay an out-of-pocket expense for this advanced technology.
