CATARACTS
| EYE CENTER of MISSOURI |
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A cataract is cloudiness of the crystalline lens inside the eye. The lens is located behind the
pupil and the iris. Its job is to help focus images on the retina. Generally we are born with a very
clear lens but it starts to lose clarity with age and become cloudy. In the beginning, the
cloudiness is mild and may have little or no effect on the vision but as it increases, the vision
gets worse. Development of a cataract is generally associated with age. Certain other factors
may also contribute to their formation, such as diabetes, family history, race, ultraviolet light,
trauma or some medications including steroids. Cataracts typically effect only vision, but in
some cases, they may lead to a common type of Glaucoma called Narrow Angle Glaucoma. They
may also cause Pupillary block glaucoma.
pupil and the iris. Its job is to help focus images on the retina. Generally we are born with a very
clear lens but it starts to lose clarity with age and become cloudy. In the beginning, the
cloudiness is mild and may have little or no effect on the vision but as it increases, the vision
gets worse. Development of a cataract is generally associated with age. Certain other factors
may also contribute to their formation, such as diabetes, family history, race, ultraviolet light,
trauma or some medications including steroids. Cataracts typically effect only vision, but in
some cases, they may lead to a common type of Glaucoma called Narrow Angle Glaucoma. They
may also cause Pupillary block glaucoma.
Treatment of Cataracts
In the early stages of cataracts, vision may be improved with new glasses,
better lighting conditions, and a change in life style, such as, avoiding driving
at night. However when a cataract has progressed to the point where it effects
your vision and life style significantly, you may consider cataract surgery. The
procedure is usually fast and done under local anesthesia combined with
intravenous sedation. Success rate in improving vision, if there are no other
problems such as retinal diseases or corneal problems, is greater than 98 %.
Surgery involves using ultrasound to dissolve the cloudy lens and remove it by
aspiration and replace it with an Intra ocular lens. The incision is small and in
most cases no stitches are needed.
A cataract in early stages is somewhat soft but becomes hard and dense as
time goes by. It is easier to remove a soft cataract than a more mature one,
which requires more surgery and could be rather difficult. However surgery
should only be considered when vision is impaired significantly. Other
considerations prior to cataract surgery include evaluating the health of the
retina and possible glaucoma caused by the cataract, which is difficult to treat
medically.
If your vision is blurred, we will be happy to help you with diagnosis and
possible treatment.
INTRA OCULAR LENSES When a cataract or cloudy lens is removed, it is replaced with an artificial lens, most commonly called an Intraocular Lens ( IOL) or simply an implant. These implants have been widely used for the last 30 years . Use of these lenses helps focus light images on the retina. Like any other modern day technology, these lenses also have gone through an evolution and continue to get better every day. Standard implants can help us see better at one given point, usually at a distance. Now there are several newer premium models available which can help one see better at both distance and near, therefore minimizing dependence on glasses. These implants are known as Multifocal or premium IOLs. There are implants for astigmatism also. These premium lenses may not be covered by insurance and, if you desire to choose one of these, you may incur some additional cost for them. |
| PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CATARACT INSIDE AN EYE, MODERATE AND ADVANCED |
| Glare is very common complaint among people with cataracts |
St. Louis STL
3535 SOUTH JEFFERSON ST. LOUIS, MO 63118 PHONE 314-771-3000 |
St. Louis, MO 63118 Phone: 314- 771- 3000 pavilion of St. Alexius Hospital, Jefferson Campus) |
- MOST COMMON CATARACT SYMPTOMS
■ Cloudy or blurry vision.
■ Colors seem faded.
■ Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may
appear too bright. A halo may appear around
lights.
■ Poor night vision.
■ Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
(This symptom may clear as the cataract gets
larger.)
■ Frequent prescription changes in your
eyeglasses or contact lenses.
How vision can be effected in cataracts? A normal photo on the left may appear
somewhat cloudy in early cataract as seen in the middle photo but will be more
cloudy in moderately advanced cases as seen on the right. In very advanced cases,
vision is lost completely.
Neglected cases may lead to other complications such as glaucoma, uveitis and
retinal complications as well. Some of these complications are quite difficult to treat
and can lead to total blindness and painful situations.
somewhat cloudy in early cataract as seen in the middle photo but will be more
cloudy in moderately advanced cases as seen on the right. In very advanced cases,
vision is lost completely.
Neglected cases may lead to other complications such as glaucoma, uveitis and
retinal complications as well. Some of these complications are quite difficult to treat
and can lead to total blindness and painful situations.
3535 S. Jefferson, Suite S-4
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Phone 314-771-3000
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Phone 314-771-3000