Most people have some clouding of their eye's natural crystalline lens after the age of 60. This clouding is more commonly referred to as a cataract. About 50% of Americans in the age group of 65-74 have at least one cataract. Not infrequently, cataracts can occur in much younger individuals. Simply stated, when the eye's lens becomes cloudy, light cannot properly focus on the retina; thus, visual acuity and visual quality decreases. The only "cure" for poor vision due to cataract is removal of the eye's cloudy lens and implantation of a new, man-made focusing device called and intraocular lens (IOL).
Cataract Symptoms
Symptoms of a cataract can vary. Many common complaints are: Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy vision; Difficulty in seeing while driving, especially at night; Trouble seeing to do close work; Problems seeing the words on the television; Colors seem dull, faded, not as bright; Frequent changes and needing stronger glasses prescriptions; Halos around lights; Bothersome glare from lights; A blurry or cloudy spot apparent in your vision.
Diagnosing Cataracts
Most cataracts develop as part of the aging process, but may be present at birth (congenital) or result from an injury, systemic disease (diabetes), or steroid use. Using specialized equipment, cataracts as well as other eye diseases are diagnosed during a complete eye examination by Dr. Hogue or Dr. Gourley. The mere presence of a cataract does not indicate the need for surgery. Some cataracts may be slow growing, and vision may be corrected by stronger glasses for a period of time. Some cataracts develop more rapidly than others, and Dr. Hogue or Dr. Gourley can monitor changes in your vision and cataracts with periodic eye examinations.
Treatment
Treatment of cataracts requires surgical removal. Fortunately, this procedure has become quick and essentially painless, and the recovery time is minimal. It is performed in the surgical suite on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The surgery itself usually takes about one half hour and you get to go home. People often resume their normal activities almost immediately.
Besides having improved vision, cataract surgery is often used by many to virtually eliminate the need for glasses and contacts. We now have advanced technology lenses and surgical techniques that can give excellent vision for distance, near, and intermediate ranges of vision in both eyes. This is something that LASIK surgery has not been able to offer patients who are in their 50's that are becoming more and more dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. Ask Dr. Gourley, Dr. Hogue or Dr. Venincasa if these lenses would be right for you.
Cataract Symptoms
Symptoms of a cataract can vary. Many common complaints are: Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy vision; Difficulty in seeing while driving, especially at night; Trouble seeing to do close work; Problems seeing the words on the television; Colors seem dull, faded, not as bright; Frequent changes and needing stronger glasses prescriptions; Halos around lights; Bothersome glare from lights; A blurry or cloudy spot apparent in your vision.
Diagnosing Cataracts
Most cataracts develop as part of the aging process, but may be present at birth (congenital) or result from an injury, systemic disease (diabetes), or steroid use. Using specialized equipment, cataracts as well as other eye diseases are diagnosed during a complete eye examination by Dr. Hogue or Dr. Gourley. The mere presence of a cataract does not indicate the need for surgery. Some cataracts may be slow growing, and vision may be corrected by stronger glasses for a period of time. Some cataracts develop more rapidly than others, and Dr. Hogue or Dr. Gourley can monitor changes in your vision and cataracts with periodic eye examinations.
Treatment
Treatment of cataracts requires surgical removal. Fortunately, this procedure has become quick and essentially painless, and the recovery time is minimal. It is performed in the surgical suite on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The surgery itself usually takes about one half hour and you get to go home. People often resume their normal activities almost immediately.
Besides having improved vision, cataract surgery is often used by many to virtually eliminate the need for glasses and contacts. We now have advanced technology lenses and surgical techniques that can give excellent vision for distance, near, and intermediate ranges of vision in both eyes. This is something that LASIK surgery has not been able to offer patients who are in their 50's that are becoming more and more dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. Ask Dr. Gourley, Dr. Hogue or Dr. Venincasa if these lenses would be right for you.