Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina. Cataract sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall or a piece of wax paper, with gradual blurring or dimming of vision.

Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. As the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in prescriptions for eyeglasses may become necessary.

Once they form, the only effective treatment is cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

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

Everyone is at risk for cataracts as they age. Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: extended exposure to UV rays, heredity, diabetes, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, medications, trauma and age.

Although cataracts most commonly affect adults over the age of 60, they can also develop earlier depending on a person's health and risk factors.

Common cataract symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to bright light, glare, halos around lights, poor night vision, faded colors, impaired depth perception and frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lenses prescription.

Symptoms typically develop gradually as the condition worsens.

Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive evaluation or cataract screening. Your eye doctor will examine the lens of your eye, evaluate how the cataract is affecting your vision and determine whether they recommend surgery.

Currently, there is no medication or nonsurgical 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 and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes the eye's cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore vision. It is one of the most frequently performed and safest surgeries in the United States, with millions done each year.

In your parents' or grandparents' 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 outpatient 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 IOL options to help meet each patient's vision needs and lifestyle.

Multifocal IOLs are designed for individuals who want to reduce their dependence on glasses by providing vision at multiple distances. These advanced lenses can improve both near and distance vision for many everyday activities.

This package includes an advanced multifocal lens and a limbal relaxing incision, if necessary

Benefits:

• Can eliminate the need for glasses for most activities.
• Multifocal IOLs may also be available that have the ability to correct astigmatism.
• Can be performed by LenSx®.

Toric IOLs are designed to correct cataracts and astigmatism, helping patients achieve clearer distance vision with less dependence on glasses. They may also improve night vision for some patients. Toric IOLs are often a good option for those with astigmatism who spend time driving, working on a computer or taking part in outdoor activities.

This package includes a High Definition Aspheric lens or Toric lens and a limbal relaxing incision, if necessary.

Benefits:

• Ideal for patients who want clear-distance vision without glasses.
• It can be performed by LenSx®.

Standard monofocal IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at a single distance, most commonly for distance vision. Patients who choose a standard monofocal lens typically still need glasses for reading and other close-up tasks. Those with astigmatism may also require glasses for additional vision correction.

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.