What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a natural clouding of the eye lens, and affects about 20 million people worldwide.
Cataracts are a very common cause of visual impairment in older adults. Cataracts are considered an inevitable part of aging, and are common among adults older than 55 years of age. In fact, half of all Americans have them—or have had cataract surgery—by age 80.
Causes of Cataracts:
- Getting Older - Age is a major cause of developing cataracts.
- Birth defect like abnormal conditions in the eyes of unborn babies
- Environmental factors such as disease, toxic chemicals, medications
- Accidents or Injuries
- Exposure to ultraviolet light
- Cigarette Smoking
Symptoms of Cataracts
If a cataract is making it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities most doctors may suggest cataract surgery. Even if your visual acuity isn't severely affected, you might want cataract surgery to remove a cataract that's causing problems with glare or double vision.
What are my options if I have a cataract?
If a cataract is making it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities most doctors may suggest cataract surgery. Even if your visual acuity isn't severely affected, you might want cataract surgery to remove a cataract that's causing problems with glare or double vision.
The only way to treat a visually significant cataract is through cataract surgery. Modern- day cataract surgery makes use of a vast array of high-tech equipment and surgical techniques, and Dr. Robert I. Schnipper utilizes the latest advancements. Cataract surgery is now an outpatient procedure, and is designed to be comfortable and offer a quick recovery.
Most people do not realize how much cataract surgery has advanced over the last 10 years. Not only have there been developments in the equipment but also with the lens implants themselves. Jacksonville Eye Center offers the latest technology, including no-stitch, no needle cataract surgery using small incision phacoemulsification. Millions of people undergo cataract surgery every year and have successful surgeries.
When considering cataract surgery you now have new options for lens implants. Some lenses can even correct your vision at near, far and intermediate distances. Years ago the only lens implants were monofocal, now you have options for multifocal/accommodating lenses or the traditional monofocal lens implants. Be sure to discuss these options in your consultation and pre-operative eye exams.