According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 20 million Americans aged 40 and over have cataracts, and 6 million have had cataract surgery. If you or someone you love has cataracts, expert care is close to home. WMCHealth has a team of experienced ophthalmologists with access to advanced technologies, ready to provide the best care for your eyes. Because we are part of an academic medical center, our program and doctors are leaders in the latest research, technologies, and treatments.
What Are Cataracts?
Your eyes have natural lenses that help bend light. When the lenses’ proteins break down, they become cloudy and cause cataracts. Cataracts can make your vision blurry and even impact how you see colors.
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurry vision
- Seeing double
- Increased light sensitivity
- Increased difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing bright colors as faded or with a yellow tint
Types of Cataracts
The type of cataracts you may have is based on what may have caused changes or damage to your eyes’ lenses.
Age-related Cataracts
This is the most common type of cataract, given that your eyes naturally change over time. Certain factors can increase your risk of cataracts, such as smoking, excessive drinking, family history, or diabetes. If you’ve had previous eye surgeries or take steroid medications, you may also be more likely to develop cataracts.
Traumatic Cataracts
Cataracts can often be the result of traumatic injuries to the eye that damage the lens. Some traumatic cataracts appear immediately after the injury, but some can take years to develop.
Radiation Cataracts
Radiation cataracts are caused by exposure to radiation. They are most often the result of too much exposure to UV rays from the sun or a side effect of radiation cancer treatments.
Pediatric Cataracts
While cataracts primarily affect adults, children can get them as well. The leading cause of pediatric cataracts is genetics, but they can also be a result of serious problems during pregnancy They can also happen due to eye injuries or radiation exposure.
Secondary Cataracts
Two out of every five people who have cataract surgery develop secondary cataracts, which are caused by scar tissue that develops after the operation. Fortunately, treatment for secondary cataracts is quick and easy, and most people’s vision returns to normal within a few days.
Treatment for Cataracts
Cataract surgery is the only option for effectively treating cataracts. It is extremely safe and one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. Post-surgery complications are rare.
During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial, clear one called an intraocular lens. Many people with intraocular lenses also become less dependent on glasses or contacts following surgery.
Innovative Services for Cataracts at WMCHealth
At WMCHealth, cataract patients may choose to have premium intraocular lenses implanted during cataract surgery to correct vision. Precise calculations on the most state-of-the-art, technologically advanced equipment assure the best results. Our Advanced Eye Specialty Services also provides cataract and glaucoma surgery together in one operation.