Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens, located behind the iris and the pupil, plays a crucial role in focusing light on the retina to produce clear images.

Here are key points about cataracts:

1. Causes: Cataracts often develop as a result of aging, but they can also be caused by other factors such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, certain medications, smoking, and medical conditions like diabetes.

2. Symptoms: The development of cataracts is usually gradual. Common symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing in low light, increased sensitivity to glare, and a gradual decrease in color intensity.

3. Diagnosis: An eye care professional can diagnose cataracts through a comprehensive eye examination, including a visual acuity test and a dilated eye exam. The dilated exam allows the doctor to examine the lens for signs of clouding.

4. Treatment: The primary treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Modern cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and is considered highly safe and effective.