What are cataracts?

Although 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, this condition is one of the most curable causes of vision loss. Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology reminds senior citizens they don't have to live with vision loss from cataracts, and may even be able to see without glasses after surgery.

A cataract is the clouding of the eye's normally clear lens, blocking the passage of light needed for vision. It forms slowly and causes no pain. If the cataract does grow and begins to affect vision, it is most often removed during outpatient surgery under local anesthesia.

Although there are no drugs or exercises that will make a cataract disappear, new techniques developed over the past decade have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most successful procedures in terms of restoring quality of life to patients.

How is cataract surgery performed?

Each year, more than 2 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. Surgery is performed at an outpatient center by an ophthalmologist.

During surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens to give the eye proper focusing power. In most cases, the improvement in the patient's vision is remarkable.

What about the new, premium lenses (Crystalens, ReSTOR, Tecnis)?

Armstrong Colt George surgeons are pleased to offer the newest innovation in cataract surgery: premium intraocular lenses. The Crystalens, ReSTOR and Tecnis lenses offer clear vision at near, far and middle distances, eliminating the need for glasses for most patients.

The procedure is similar to traditional cataract surgery, in which a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea and the cloudy natural lens removed. However, when traditional single-focus lenses are inserted to replace the natural lens, the patient usually requires glasses for near and intermediate vision. With premium multi-focal lenses, most patients are able to see a full range of vision, without glasses, for the first time in decades.

The Crystalens, ReSTOR and Tecnis lenses offer many benefits over traditional implants, but are not an option for everyone. The most successful patients are motivated to see without glasses, yet have realistic expectations about their vision after surgery. Your surgeon will schedule additional appointments for measurements before surgery to assure the best outcome.

There is an additional cost for premium cataract lens surgery, for which insurance provides partial coverage. Our staff will explain more about the costs, benefits, and possible risks of both traditional and premium lenses during your cataract evaluation, and will provide you with literature to help you select the right option.

Can cataract surgery correct my astigmatism?

Many people have astigmatism. Astigmatism means the front of your eye – the cornea – is not a perfect sphere, which affects your vision. Glasses or contact lenses can be prescribed to correct astigmatism, but your doctor may suggest correction during catatact surgery. Surgical correction for astigmatism in not covered by Medicare or insurance.

With limbal relaxing incisions (LRI), the surgeon makes two small, accurate incisions in the corneal periphery to help "round up" the cornea. Or, your surgeon may recommend a toric intraoccular lens, specially manufactured to correct astigmatism, to replace your cloudy natural lens. For high amounts of astigmatism, a combination of toric lens and LRI may be recommended.

How do you know if you need a cataract evaluation?

Some people notice a gradual, painless blurring of vision, double vision in one eye or fading or yellowing of colors. When older patients mention sensitivity to glare or bright light, or trouble driving at night, a cataract is suspected. Also, if a senior citizen needs frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions, a cataract evaluation should be scheduled.

The notion that a cataract has to be "ripe" before it's removed is not true. The best time to have a cataract removed is when it starts to interfere with the patient's activities and hobbies.

Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology provides quality eye care in their Abington, PA and Hatboro, PA offices, serving patients from Montgomery County, PA, Bucks County, PA and Philadelphia, PA.