Cataracts
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 55 and older. But today, cataract surgery with Dr. Assil is quick, painless and patients have a variety of vision correction options available at the time of the procedure.
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A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. A normal lens is clear and lets light pass to the back of the eye. A cataract blocks some of the light. As a cataract develops, it becomes more difficult for a person to see. Symptoms of a cataract include:
- blurred nighttime or driving vision
- sensitivity to light
- glare from sunlight or the headlights of cars
- halos around lights
- change in glasses prescription and/or distorted images
- Needing more light to read
- Nuclear cataract occurs in the center of the lens. Early on, it may actually cause a slight improvement in near or reading vision, called "second sight." This "second sight " vision disappears as the cataract worsens.
- Cortical Cataract begins as wedge-shaped spokes in the cortex (outer portion) of the lens. When the spokes approach the center, they interfere with the transmission of light and cause glare and loss of contrast acuity.
- Sub-capsular cataract starts as a small opacity under the capsule (the outer membrane of the lens), and develops slowly. Vision is significantly affected as the cataract develops. Diabetes, retinitis pigmentosa, and steroids are common causes of this type of cataract.
Cataract Surgery
is the most commonly performed surgical treatments in the United States. Nearly one third of patients are younger than 60 years of age. Once a cataract reduces your vision, there are no medications, eye drops, glasses or exercises that will reverse it. Surgery, through a tiny incision, is the only way to remove a cataract. The cataract is fragmented and removed with gentle suction, and a new, perfectly clear permanent lens (an intraocular lens implant) is put in its place. The surgery typically uses no sutures, involves no bleeding, and is virtually painless. Although full visual recovery may take up to several weeks to stabilize, most people can resume all normal activities within a day or two.
