WELCOME TO OPTODOC'S CATARACTS FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) PAGE!

Concerned about cataracts and their impact on your vision? OptoDoc is here to provide you with comprehensive information about cataracts, their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Read on to find answers to common questions and gain a better understanding of this common eye condition.

Your cataracts questions

The most asked questions about cataracts

+ - What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the crystalline lens in your eye. This opacity obstructs the passage of light resulting in a reduction of clear vision. Normally, light passes through the clear lens and is focused onto the retina. However, the natural aging process can cause the lens to become cloudy or milky. The cataract blocks the passage of light through the eye and causes distorted or blurred vision, glare or difficulty seeing in poor lighting conditions. There are three types of cataracts:

 

    • A nuclear cataract forms in the lens. Those over 65 are more prone to develop this type of cataract. More than half of all Americans over the age of 65 will develop a cataract.
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    • A cortical cataract forms in the lens then grows from the outside to the center of the lens. Diabetics are more prone to develop this type of cataract.
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    • A subcapsular cataract forms in the back of the lens. Those with diabetes, high hyperopia (Far-sightedness) or retinitis pigmentosa may be at a higher risk to develop this type of cataract.
+ - How is a cataract treated?

Cataract surgery is a selective and successful solution to restoring vision when the cataracts seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in North America, with millions of surgeries done each year. Cataract surgery is a routine and relatively painless procedure.

Cataract surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis. You will not need to be hospitalized or put to sleep for your doctor to perform your surgery. The procedure normally takes less than 15 minutes and you can return home shortly after your procedure. Most people will enjoy improved vision by the day after surgery or within a few days following the procedure.

To begin, your surgeon will administer a light sedative which will relax your nerves and keep you comfortable during the procedure. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to completely numb the eye. The entire procedure is performed through an incision that is smaller than 1/8 of an inch and does not require stitches to heal.

Once the cataract is removed, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is placed where the cataract lens was removed, to restore your sight. Most patients will not require an eye patch and will not have any discomfort. Most patients can return to their normal daily routines; including reading, driving and exercise, the day after surgery.

+ - What causes a cataract?

It is not completely known why cataracts occur in all instances but studies on the cause of cataracts will soon teach us how to more successfully treat and prevent them. The most commonly known type of cataract is age-related. Ultraviolet light is a known catalyst for the formation of cataracts, so we recommend wearing 100% UV blocking sunglasses which will lessen your exposure over time. Other studies point to people with diabetes as a higher risk group for cataract development than those who do not suffer from diabetes. Cigarettes, air pollution, heavy drug usage and severe alcohol consumption may also contribute to your chances of developing cataracts.

+ - What are the symptoms of a cataract?

You may not notice a slight change in your vision, as cataract starts out very tiny, but as it grows from the size of a pinhead, you may notice that your vision is becoming blurry, and you may feel as if you are looking through dirty eyeglasses. Object edges may appear to fade into one another and colors may not appear as bright as they should. The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

 

    • Cloudy or blurry vision
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    • Problems with light, such as headlights that seem too bright, glare from lamps or very bright sunlight
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    • Colours that seem faded
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    • Poor night vision
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    • Double or multiple vision
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    • Frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses
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    • Optical aids such as eyeglasses or contact lenses are no longer effective
+ - Can I be too young or old for cataract surgery?

Any patient who can undergo a thorough eye examination can undergo surgery if the procedure is performed with topical anesthetic-drops alone.

+ - Does cataract surgery hurt?

The treatment itself is painless. We will place a few numbing drops in your eye(s) to make you more comfortable.

+ - Will I still need glasses or contact lenses after the surgery?

You may need glasses or other corrective lenses after the procedure on a temporary or permanent basis. Cataract surgery will not prevent, and may unmask, the need for reading glasses.

OptoDoc welcome desk in Fort McMurray January 2024
OptoDoc welcome desk in Fort McMurray January 2024

We hope that our Cataracts FAQ section has provided you with valuable insights into this common eye condition and its treatment options. At OptoDoc, our team of experienced ophthalmologists and eye care professionals is dedicated to guiding you through the process of managing cataracts and restoring clarity to your vision.

If you have further questions or concerns about cataracts, or if you would like to schedule a comprehensive eye examination to assess the health of your eyes and determine the presence of cataracts, please don’t hesitate to contact OptoDoc. Our skilled and compassionate team is here to address your needs and provide personalized care.

We understand that cataracts can significantly impact your quality of life, and our goal is to help you regain clear vision and improve your overall well-being. Through advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art surgical techniques, we strive to provide the highest level of care to our patients.

After cataract surgery, regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing process and ensure that your vision is improving as expected. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and support to ensure a smooth recovery.