What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a "clouding" of the lens in your eye. As light passes through the cataractous lens, it is diffused or scattered. The result is blurred or defocused vision. Cataracts, the leading cause of treatable blindness, create vision cloudiness and develop for a variety of reasons, but most commonly result as part of the aging process. However, they can also be caused by long-term ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, trauma to the eye and as secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes.
Cataracts typically require surgical removal and replacement of the eye's lens. Once the cataract is dense enough to interfere with your ability to drive safely, read comfortably, or perform other tasks that you need to do regularly it should be removed, it may be frightening to consider. But, once you understand what a cataract is, how it will be removed, and the life-changing benefits cataract surgery can bring, you'll likely wish you'd had the procedure sooner.
A cataract can progress until eventually there is a complete loss of vision in your eye, and neither diet nor laser treatment will make a cataract go away. However, cataract surgery can help restore your vision, before you experience loss of vision significant enough to severely interfere with your daily activities. Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most effective types of surgery. It's also one of the most successful. After you and Dr. Wade or Dr. Mayo have decided that you will have cataract surgery, your eye will be measured to determine the proper power of the IOL.
Another great resource for information on cataracts and cataract surgery is www.cataractsurgery.com.