Cataracts are a common condition that can lead to blurry or distorted vision, particularly as we age. At NY LASIK, we are dedicated to providing advanced cataract care to patients throughout NYC, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all of New York City. Our experienced board-certified ophthalmologists utilize the latest techniques and technology to help restore your vision and improve your quality of life.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is located just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, the lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing you to see clear and sharp images. However, as cataracts develop, the lens becomes progressively cloudy, obstructing the passage of light and leading to blurry or impaired vision.
Cataracts typically develop slowly and may not initially cause noticeable symptoms. Over time, as the clouding worsens, individuals may experience increased difficulty with vision, particularly in low-light conditions or when distinguishing colors. If left untreated, cataracts can significantly impact daily activities and eventually lead to vision loss.
Types of Cataracts
Cataracts can form in different areas of the lens, leading to various types:
- Nuclear Cataracts: Develop in the central core of the lens, often resulting in a gradual yellowing or browning of vision.
- Cortical Cataracts: Form around the outer edges of the lens, characterized by wedge-like opacities that extend inward, often resembling spokes on a wheel.
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: Affect the back of the lens, leading to rapid vision deterioration, especially in bright light or when reading.
Understanding the nature of cataracts is crucial for early detection and effective treatment, ensuring that vision loss can be minimized or entirely restored through appropriate medical care.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts often develop gradually, and early symptoms can be subtle or go unnoticed. However, as the condition progresses, it begins to interfere with daily life, making routine tasks more challenging. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with cataracts are vision problems such as:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appearing faded or dull
- Double vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Frequent changes to eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions1
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional. Early detection through a comprehensive eye exam can help manage cataracts effectively and preserve your vision.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts primarily develop as part of the natural aging process, typically starting to form around the age of 55, though the exact onset can vary. By the age of 75, more than half of Americans will likely need cataract treatment, according to the National Eye Institute.2 While aging is the most common cause, several other factors can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts.
- Cataract Risk Factors
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- History of eye injuries
- Family history of cataracts or other eye diseases
- Frequent exposure to sunlight or UV light
- Regular use of certain medications, such as oral steroids
Understanding these risk factors can help in taking preventative measures or seeking early treatment to manage cataracts effectively.
Treatment for Cataracts
In the early stages of cataract development, updating your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription can help manage vision problems caused by cataracts. However, this is only a temporary solution, as cataracts will continue to progress over time. As the condition advances, you may find that even with the strongest prescription, your vision continues to deteriorate, affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks like driving, cooking, or enjoying hobbies.
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest procedures, with a high success rate in restoring clear vision.3 Most patients experience significant improvements in their quality of life after surgery, with better visual clarity and reduced glare. While the timing of surgery can vary depending on the severity of the cataracts and their impact on your daily life, it’s important to consult with your eye care professional to determine the best course of action.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the only definitive treatment for advanced cataracts. During this outpatient procedure, your ophthalmologist will remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This new artificial lens implant not only restores visual clarity but can also reduce or even eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery. Cataract surgery is highly effective and is one of the most common surgical procedures performed today, offering patients a significant improvement in their quality of life by allowing them to see clearly and resume their daily activities without visual limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts
Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
- Reviewing your medical history
- Visual acuity and refraction tests
- Slit lamp examination of the eye’s lens
- Retina evaluation
- Measuring eye pressure
- Testing color vision and glare sensitivity
These steps help your eye doctor confirm the presence of cataracts and guide treatment options.
Cataracts cannot be fully prevented, but you can take steps to support your eye health and potentially slow their progression. These include wearing UV-protective sunglasses, eating a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and avoiding smoking. Regular eye exams are also important for early detection and management.
No. The intraocular lens that is used to replace the clouded natural lens is made of specialized plastics that do not cloud over again. However, some patients may notice blurred vision months to years after cataract surgery. This condition is often referred to as a “secondary cataract,” however, it is actually called posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and is a result of wrinkling of the clear membrane inside the eye that holds the replacement lens in place. This condition is easily treatable with in office laser eye surgery by one of our experienced ophthalmologists.
Cataract surgery becomes necessary when cataracts significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. If vision loss begins to interfere with tasks like driving, reading, or recognizing faces, it’s time to consider surgery. If your vision problems have progressed to this point, it’s time to discuss your symptoms with an eye doctor.
Yes, cataract surgery is considered safe and effective. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, the procedure has a complication rate of less than 2%.4
Laser cataract surgery is an advanced technique that uses a femtosecond laser to perform key steps of the cataract removal process with high precision. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, which relies on manual instruments, laser cataract surgery can create precise incisions and soften the cataract for easier removal. The laser can also be used to correct astigmatism during the procedure, potentially reducing the need for glasses after surgery. This method offers enhanced accuracy and customization, leading to more predictable outcomes and quicker recovery for many patients. We are proud to offer all-laser, bladeless cataract surgery to our patients from throughout the NYC area.
Yes, cataract surgery is typically covered by insurance, including Medicare, as it is considered a medically necessary procedure. Coverage usually includes the cost of the surgery and the standard intraocular lens (IOL). However, if you choose a premium IOL or additional services, there may be out-of-pocket costs. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage and any potential expenses.
The cost of cataract surgery varies based on several factors, including whether one or both eyes need treatment, the type of surgical equipment used, and the specific needs of your eyes. For detailed information on costs and payment options, contact your NY LASIK cataract specialist.
Whether you need glasses after cataract surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used. Standard monofocal IOLs correct vision at a single distance, while premium IOLs can address refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, potentially reducing the need for glasses. You may still require reading glasses or glasses for specific tasks, depending on the IOL chosen.
Traditional cataract surgery involves placing a standard, or monofocal IOL that is implanted after cataract removal. This lens restores clear vision after cataracts, and can also improve vision at a single range: either near or distance. However, we also offer a full range of advanced IOLs to our patients in the New York City area, including multifocal IOLs, extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs, and toric IOls for astigmatism. We also offer lenses designed to correct presbyopia, or age-related near vision loss. These artificial lenses are designed to correct vision problems that can’t be addressed by a standard IOL, allowing us to customize our patients’ vision correction and giving them the opportunity to reduce or even eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cataracts or have concerns about your vision, don’t wait to seek help. The team at NY LASIK is here to provide expert care for patients throughout NYC, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New York City. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward clearer vision and a better quality of life.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Cataracts. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts. Accessed August 23, 2024.
2 National Eye Institute. Cataract Data and Statistics. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/eye-health-data-and-statistics/cataract-data-and-statistics. Accessed August 23, 2024.
3 American Refractive Surgery Council. Is Cataract Surgery with Vision-Correcting IOLs Safe? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/refractive-surgery-procedures/cataract-surgery-with-vision-correcting-iols/is-cataract-surgery-with-vision-correcting-iols-safe. Accessed August 24, 2024.
4 American Refractive Surgery Council. Is Cataract Surgery with Vision-Correcting IOLs Safe? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/refractive-surgery-procedures/cataract-surgery-with-vision-correcting-iols/is-cataract-surgery-with-vision-correcting-iols-safe. Accessed August 24, 2024.
