| Dr. Bryan Doherty is an Optometrist and has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Cataract.
Q. What is a Cataract?
A. The term "cataract" describes a hazing or clouding of the eye’s crystalline lens, which is located behind the iris. These cloudy areas of the lens make it difficult for light to properly enter the eye. The end result is poorer vision, even while wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Q. What are the symptoms of a Cataract?
A. Cataracts usually develop slowly over several years, and the symptoms of a cataract will progress accordingly. Common early cataract symptoms include sensitivity to glare (especially at night), and needing more light to read. I often have patients complain about glare from headlights while driving at night, or trouble reading menus in dimly lit restaurants even while wearing proper reading glasses.
As Cataracts progress, patients will notice overall hazy or blurry vision that cannot be improved with glasses or contact lenses.
Q. How is a Cataract treated?
A. Cataracts are treated with surgery by an ophthalmologist. The crystalline lens containing the cataract is removed, and then replaced with a lens implant. The surgery is painless, is done as an "out patient" procedure, and usually takes around 45 minutes. The patient leaves the office wearing a patch which is removed at the first follow-up appointment the very next day. Follow-up usually requires using different drops about four times per day for one to two weeks, although this can vary depending on how the healing progresses.
The most common response I get from my patients following cataract surgery is how thrilled they are with their vision, and how the whole process was much easier than they expected. Results will vary, but it is not uncommon for patients to be much less dependent on glasses after cataract surgery.
Q. What causes a Cataract?
A. Most cataracts are caused by exposure to ultra violet light from the sun over time. These cataracts usually begin to affect someone’s vision when they reach their late 60’s to early 70’s, although smokers and diabetics tend to experience problems at a younger age. Although cataracts cannot be prevented, I always recommend that my patients wear sunglasses and refrain from smoking to slow down the progression of cataracts.
There are other rare forms of cataracts that can form at any age. These are usually brought on by injury, certain medications, or can be congenital in nature, and they are far less common than the cataracts described above.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Doherty if we have further questions?
A. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at the Concord Optometry office phone: (925) 825-1090, or by email at concordoptometry@gmail.com. Our website is www.geedohertyeyes.com |
