Cataract FAQs

Cataracts are part of the natural aging process. Cataracts typically begin developing between the ages of 40 – 50. Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. In fact, cataracts are so common it is said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough.

Everyone is at risk for cataracts. Cataracts are a condition that involves the clouding of the outer lens of the eye. Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: extended exposure to UV rays, heredity, diabetes, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, medications, trauma and age.

Cataracts generally affect people over the age of 60 and in some cases quite a few younger will suffer from cataracts.  Cataracts are so common it has been said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough.

A cataract starts out very tiny, but as it grows you may notice that your vision becomes blurry, increased sensitivity to bright light, impaired depth perception, object edges may appear to fade into one another, colors may not appear as bright as they should be, poor night vision or frequent changes in your eye glass prescriptions or contact lenses.

Cataracts can only be diagnosed by an eye care specialist.

Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts.  Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye.

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with millions of surgeries done each year.

In your parent’s or grandparent’s day, cataract surgery was considered risky, required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and takes only a few minutes. Patients can then go home and rest in comfort and avoid the inconvenience and expense of staying in a hospital.

Snead Eye Group has a variety of options for your IOL (intraocular lens). To read more about the available IOL packages click this link.

For the individual who desires better distance vision and correction of astigmatism. Toric IOLs offer improved night vision and less dependence on glasses while driving.  The ideal patient includes those bothered by astigmatism, people who utilize a computer for numerous tasks, and people who enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and golfing. This package includes:

High Definition Aspheric lens or Toric lens, and limbal relaxing incision if necessary.

Benefits:

• Ideal for patients who want clear distance vision without glasses.
• Can be performed by LenSx.

For the individual that desires good vision but doesn’t mind wearing glasses. This package includes: Basic Monofocal lens, usually correcting distance vision. However, if you have astigmatism you will need glasses for all ranges of vision.

Benefits:

• Costs are typically covered by Medicare and other insurance.

The final decision on which lens package is best for you will be determined by you and your surgeon once all testing and a full cataract evaluation are completed.