Cataract Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

The lens of the eye is a clear, biconvex structure that lies beneath the cornea and iris; it works with the cornea to focus light on the retina. In the perfect eye, the lens is completely transparent. In the aging eye, patches of cloudiness develop and become increasingly opaque over the years. This is because the protein in the eye begins to clump together as a person ages. The surgeons at our San Antonio refractive surgery practice, South Texas Eye Institute, employ use of the most advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and treat cataract patients.

Incidence

Some patients start to experience cataract symptoms as early as their 40s, although most patients don't notice symptoms until a few decades later. According to Vision Problems in the U.S., a report published by the National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness America in 2002:

• More than half of Americans have cataracts by the age of 80
• Almost 20.5 million Americans aged 40 and older have cataracts
• More than $3.4 billion is spent each year on cataract treatment for Medicare patients

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with cataracts include:

• Blurry, cloudy vision
• Vision distortions
• Double vision
• Vision that is getting progressively worse
• Increased sensitivity to glare
• Poor vision at night or in low light conditions
• Bright colors appear dull
• Yellowing of vision
• Halos around lights
• A white spot on pupil

Cataract symptoms are mild at first and get worse over time. When it gets to a point that poor vision is interfering with the patient's quality of life, cataract surgery is recommended.

Causes

The lens of the eye is made up of water and protein. When the protein is appropriately dispersed across the lens, it remains clear. Unfortunately, degenerative changes to the eye cause the protein to cluster together. The most common cause of cataracts is the natural aging process. However, there are additional causal factors, including:

• Eye injury
• Certain medications, including oral corticosteroids
• Genetics
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Exposure to sunlight
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Previous eye surgery
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Inflammatory diseases of the eye
• Intrauterine developmental disorders
• Certain genetic diseases: Wilson's disease, Down syndrome, rubella, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, myotonic dystrophy, galactosemia, homocystinuria
• Skin and mucous membrane diseases: Atopic dermatitis, hypothyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism

Treatment

At our San Antonio cataract surgery practice, we offer safe and effective treatments for cataract patients. Treatment involves the removal of the natural, clouded lens of the eye. The lens is then replaced with a mono or multifocal intraocular lens implant (IOL). Monofocal IOLs, which provide patients with the ability to focus at near or far distances, are commonly used in cataract patients because they are less expensive than multifocal IOLS. Most patients that have monofocal IOLs placed have it set for distant vision, and then they use eyeglasses to help them see near objects. Multifocal IOLs are considered the superior option because they allow patients to switch between near and distant vision without the need for glasses. At South Texas Eye Institute, we offer the AcrySof® ReSTOR® and ReZoom™ multifocal IOLs, as well as the accommodating Crystalens®.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact South Texas Eye Institute today.