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Cataract Surgery Success Rate

Cataract surgery is among the most common types of surgery. While it was once an inpatient procedure requiring general anesthesia, it can now be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. This approach is more convenient, safer, and less expensive, and cataract surgery success rates have never been higher. Traditionally, cataract surgery has been performed with a scalpel, but lasers are increasingly used. Patients report little pain and a quick recovery in most cases. Cataract surgery success rates are very high, reportedly 97-98%, according to recent studies, and few complications are encountered.  

Who Performs Cataract Surgery?

If you’re looking for an eye doctor for cataracts, ophthalmologists are the specialists who perform this type of surgery. If you’ve never had eye surgery before, your eye care has most likely been managed by optometrists or opticians. Optometrists are licensed professionals who can perform eye examinations and diagnose and treat some conditions, but they are not medical doctors. Conditions that require surgery, such as cataracts, must be referred to an ophthalmologist. If you have glasses or contacts, you’ll know your optician as the helpful person who ensures they fit correctly. 

What are the Risks of Cataract Surgery?

Any surgery comes with a degree of risk, but cataract surgery complications are rare and seldom serious. All long as the patient follows the post-operative instructions their ophthalmologist gives them, the chances they will experience any side effects are low. There are three serious potential issues to be aware of: retinal detachment, swelling of the eye and eye infection. Familiarize yourself with the following symptoms and report any occurrences to your ophthalmologist immediately. While these cataract surgery complications are serious if ignored, prompt treatment can keep you and your vision healthy. 

Retinal Detachment

Cataract surgery has been shown to cause a slightly increased risk of retinal detachment. For patients with other eye disorders, such as high myopia – a rare type of severe nearsightedness – the risk of retinal detachment is even higher. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. 

Retinal detachment is usually painless. The symptoms you are likely to notice are a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light. Floaters are just what they sound like – little specks that seem to float around in your vision. If you notice these symptoms, don’t take a nap or wait to see if they clear up on their own, contact your doctor immediately, even if they occur after hours. The sooner retinal detachment is treated, the better the chances of preserving some or all of your vision. 

Swelling of the Eye

Some post-surgical swelling of the eye is not unusual. It can increase during the first 24 hours after surgery. It can be alarming to notice that your vision was better immediately right after surgery than a day later. Chances are, the swelling will go down on its own, but if it’s severe and not dissipating as your instructions indicated that it would, don’t hesitate to contact the ophthalmologist who performed your cataract surgery. They may tell you to use your steroid eye drops more frequently or prescribe something different or more potent. 

Eye Infection

Preventing eye infection often comes down to meticulous hygiene. Your ophthalmologist will do their part by prescribing antibiotic drops for you to begin using before surgery and continue afterward. You can do your part by using the drops as prescribed and washing your hands well with soap before using the drops or touching the eye area. Also, take care not to touch the surface of your eye or your eyelashes with the dropper.  

Is Cataract Surgery Always Successful?

While the cataract surgery success rate is high, it’s not 100%. It’s possible for your vision to be worse than before the surgery or blurry. Typically, this is due to issues such as waiting too long to have cataract surgery performed, which can lead to difficulties with the surgery.  

Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

Once cataracts are removed, they cannot grow back, but a new one can form. These secondary cataracts are called posterior capsular opacification(PCO). Secondary cataract symptoms take months or years to develop and are becoming rarer as technology has advanced. Reasons for an increased risk of PCO include age (secondary cataract symptoms are more common among younger patients), diabetes, uveitis, myotonic dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Cataracts caused by injury are more likely to lead to secondary contact symptoms. 

Secondary cataract symptoms to watch for include blurry vision, glare or halos from headlights and issues with vision such as trouble reading, driving, watching television and sometimes difficulty with color perception. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your cataract ophthalmologist.  

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Cataract Surgery?

After cataract surgery, most people can go back to work and resume other daily activities in a couple of days. Full recovery can take as long as eight weeks and your vision should stabilize within 3-6 weeks. The closer you follow the instructions of your ophthalmologist, the better your chance of being a cataract surgery success story.  

What Should You Look For in a Cataract Surgeon in Buffalo? 

When you’re trusting someone with your vision, you want an ophthalmologist you can trust. Look for a surgeon specializing in cataract surgery and up to date on the latest studies and technologies. Look for reviews and recommendations and review the credentials and experience of any cataract surgeon you consider. Be sure to ask your surgeon relevant questions such as how many surgeries they have performed and their cataract surgery success rate. 

Credentials of a Cataract Surgeon

Your surgeon should be board certified in ophthalmology if they have the training and skills required to perform cataract surgery successfully. You should also check that the doctor has no malpractice suits or disciplinary actions on their record. Healthgrades.com is a good source for conducting this research.  

Experience

Even though cataract surgery is relatively simple and risk-free, you don’t want to put your eyesight in the hands of someone who doesn’t have plenty of experience. Surgery performed by an ophthalmologist with plenty of experience increases the chances of successful cataract surgery. A doctor who has performed the surgery many times before will know exactly what to watch for. 

Choosing the Right Cataract Surgeon in Buffalo

If you have been identified as a candidate for cataract surgery, you may wonder what the next step is. If an optometrist diagnosed you, they may refer you to a specific ophthalmologist, or provide you with a list to choose from. If they did not refer you, there are several ways to find qualified cataract ophthalmologists in Buffalo. If you have friends or family who have undergone cataract surgery, they may be able to provide recommendations for cataract eye doctors in Buffalo. If not, your insurance company may be able to help, or you can request referrals from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes and vision are our priority. That’s why we encourage you to watch for early signs of cataracts and see your eye doctor regularly. If you are experiencing vision changes or haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

Cataracts, or an opacification or clouding of the eye’s lens, affect millions of people – it’s one of the most common eye conditions in the world. Cataracts often affect older people, although it’s possible for them to develop in younger patients as well. Today, laser surgery is commonly used to remove cataracts, and it has a high success rate. Traditional cataract surgery using blades is also still commonly used to great effect.

Have you ever wondered whether cataracts can come back after surgery?

The answer isn’t quite as simple as a “yes” or “no.” Cataracts cannot grow back once they’ve been removed. But it is possible for a secondary (or new) cataract to form. So, yes, cataracts can come back after cataract surgery; it’s not the old one growing back, but a new one forming. The medical term for this is posterior capsular opacification, or PCO.

Let’s take a closer look at how cataracts surgery works and how secondary cataracts or PCO happens. Then, we’ll discuss the symptoms of this condition and what can be done about it to help patients see clearly once again.

How Does Cataract Surgery Work?

There are two types of cataract surgery: traditional cataract surgery, which has been used for many years, and the newer laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

This type of cataract surgery involves using a tiny blade to make an incision on the side of the eye’s lens (the cornea) and removing the clouded lens. After that, an artificial lens called an intraocular lens is inserted in place of the natural lens. In some cases, sutures might be needed to close the incision, but more often than not the incision is left alone to heal over time. Most patients are fully healed within a few days or weeks of cataract surgery.

Laser Cataract Surgery

Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses laser technology and 3D imaging to make the incision. An advanced laser called a femtosecond laser creates an opening in the cornea’s front layer, and then the laser breaks

up the clouded lens before it’s sucked out through the incision. Then, an intraocular lens replaces the natural lens in the same manner as traditional cataract surgery.

Both types of cataract surgery are fast, efficient, and very safe. They’re both widely used today, including by top cataract surgeons in Buffalo. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most common types of surgery performed in the world, with a very high success rate.

Can You Have Cataracts Twice?

As mentioned above, yes, you can have cataracts twice, even after surgery. Secondary cataracts, sometimes called after-cataracts, isn’t particularly common but it is possible.

Secondary cataracts doesn’t develop immediately after your cataract surgery. It will typically take months or, even more commonly, years before developing. And here’s the good news: it’s less common than ever before. For many years, nearly half of all patients who had cataract surgery developed secondary cataracts at some point. Now, thanks to technological improvements particularly in laser surgery, only about four to 12 percent of patients experience secondary cataracts.

PCO is still the most common complication after cataract surgery, but it occurs less frequently than ever before. And research is ongoing into ways to make it even less common.

What is a Secondary Cataract?

Secondary cataracts or posterior capsular opacification (PCO) occurs when the membrane around the lens capsule (not removed during surgery) becomes cloudy and starts to impair vision. New protein cells begin to grow on the back of the lens capsule, which obscures vision just like a cataract does.

There are actually two types of secondary cataracts:

· Pearl PCO: Responsible for the majority of secondary cataracts cases, pearl PCO involves normal differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in the equatorial lens region.

· Fibrous PCO: Fibrous PCO involves abnormal growth of LECs in the lens.

To put it simply, secondary cataracts is the opacification of the membrane around the lens capsule, which wasn’t removed during cataract surgery. It usually starts to opacify months or years after cataract surgery.

What Makes Secondary Cataracts More Likely?

The development of secondary cataracts is, on the whole, not extremely common. But there are a few conditions and factors that make this condition more likely to occur. One is age; it turns out that younger cataracts patients are more likely to develop secondary cataracts. Other factors include:

· Diabetes – Diabetes and vision problems are closely linked. Patients who have diabetes or had it in the past have a higher incidence of PCO development.

· Uveitis – Uveitis occurs when the uvea, the middle part of the eye, becomes inflamed. This results in itching and redness. Patients with this condition are more likely to develop secondary cataracts.

· Myotonic dystrophy – Related to muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy is an inherited disease that involves prolonged muscle contractions and difficulty relaxing certain muscle groups. Cataracts often develop as a symptom of this condition, and people with myotonic dystrophy often require multiple capsulectomies to restore proper vision.

· Retinitis pigmentosa – People with retinitis pigmentosa have a higher occurrence rate of secondary cataracts. This condition involves the breakdown of cells in the retina, which causes symptoms like loss of peripheral vision and difficulty seeing at night.

· Cataracts caused by trauma – It’s possible for cataracts to be caused by injury or trauma to the head or eye. When this is the case, the chance of secondary cataracts occurring is much higher.

Secondary Cataract Symptoms

What are the main secondary cataract symptoms? How can you tell if you’re developing this condition?

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision after cataract surgery is the most common sign of secondary cataracts. As mentioned, the blurred vision won’t occur immediately after surgery. It will probably happen months or even years afterward.

Glare/Halos

Patients might notice an increased glare from light sources, such as the sun or car headlights when driving at night. It’s also relatively common for those with secondary cataracts to see halos around these light sources.

Lack of Visual Acuity

A reduction in visual acuity is another common sign of secondary cataracts. This might manifest in difficulty reading text or seeing the television, difficulty driving and seeing road signs, etc. Patients might also notice a reduction in the accurate perception of colors.

Can Secondary Cataracts Be Prevented?

It is not possible to prevent the occurrence of secondary cataracts in every case. However, there are things that can be done to make it less likely. Advances in surgical techniques are one approach; as the technology improves and processes are further refined, ophthalmologists hope to reduce the risk of secondary cataracts developing. Extensive polishing of the epithelial cells during cataract surgery can also help.

New intraocular lens designs (the artificial lenses that replace the clouded cataract lens) show promise for reducing cataract surgery side effects, including secondary cataracts. Square-edged intraocular lenses can reduce the risk of PCO development, and there is also evidence that changes to the surface chemistry of the lens makes PCO development less likely.

Last but not least, drugs that suppress certain cell growth could be used to inhibit the growth of lens cells that end up obscuring vision. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved prescription drugs for this reason yet, so it remains to be seen if medication could play a role in preventing the development of secondary cataracts.

Secondary Cataract Treatment

Secondary cataracts can certainly be a frustrating thing to deal with. After all, cataract surgery was supposed to solve the issue. It’s understandable that patients are frustrated when their vision becomes blurry once again. Luckily, treating secondary cataracts is generally very simple and easy.

Secondary cataract surgery is performed via a procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy, and it’s widely effective in treating secondary cataracts and helping patients to experience restored vision after the development of secondary cataracts.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless procedure. First, the eye is numbed with special drops. Then, a laser creates a small opening in the clouded part of the lens capsule. This allows light to shine through to the retina, allowing the lost vision to be restored. Most often, the patient can return home immediately with an eyedrop treatment, and will probably be able to return to normal activities – driving, working, etc. – within a day or two.

YAG laser capsulotomy only takes about five minutes, even less than the already quick cataract surgery itself. You’ll probably need to revisit the eye doctor’s office in a week or so for a follow-up appointment to make sure things are progressing well and you’re not experiencing any side effects.

Contact the Ophthalmologists at ECVA if You’re Experiencing Secondary Cataract Symptoms

Are you experiencing blurred vision or other symptoms of secondary cataracts? It’s time to make an appointment with Eye Care & Vision Associates to see the top ophthalmologists in Buffalo, NY. We can help you understand cataract symptoms including secondary cataracts and map out a treatment plan to restore your vision. Contact ECVA, your eye doctor in Buffalo, NY, to get started. We’re here to help! Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.

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Cataract Treatment: Lasers vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery

cataract treatment buffalo NY

Cataracts are some of the most common eye ailments and affect millions of people all over the globe, especially older folks. For many years, cataracts were treated through traditional surgery, which involves making an incision in the cornea to remove the clouded lens. This treatment is still used to help many cataract patients today.

In recent years, technological advancements in medicine laser allowed a new type of cataract surgery to blossom: laser surgery. This type of blade-free cataract surgery is becoming more and more widely used, and it has several advantages. With that being said, traditional cataract surgery is still performed frequently and is a perfectly safe and viable procedure.

Let’s learn more about what cataracts are and about each type of treatment. Then, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between traditional and laser cataract surgery to help you decide which method is right for you.

What are Cataracts?

The eye has a lens that helps focus light upon the back of the eye, which sends that signal to the brain for processing. This is the way that our eyes transmit an image to our brain. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, opaque, or discolored. To a person with cataracts, the effect is similar to looking out of a cloudy window. Other symptoms include:

· Seeing halos around lights

· Sensitivity to light or glare

· Poor night vision

· Seeing colors as faded or washed-out

· Double vision

The leading cause of cataracts is simple aging – over time, it’s common for the lens of the eye to get clouded. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about two in three Americans over the age of 80, and about 30 million Americans in total, have cataracts. There are other possible causes of cataracts, however, including steroid use, eye injury, and exposure to ultraviolet light. Additionally, certain diseases such as diabetes make the development of cataracts more likely. In fact, people over 65 with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts as people of the same age who don’t have diabetes, according to Medical News Today.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

In some cases, treatment for cataracts isn’t necessary, particularly if the problem is only minor and the individual can still go about their daily life without much impairment. But the problem is likely to grow over time, eventually clouding more and more of the eye and affecting vision. If cataracts are left untreated, they can obscure the entire field of vision and cause complete blindness.

Eventually, cataracts will require treatment. And unfortunately, it’s not as simple as taking a pill or putting medicated eye drops into your eyes. Surgery is the best option for removing clouded lenses entirely and helping a patient get back to normal vision. There are two options: traditional cataract surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Types of Cataract Surgery: Traditional vs. Laser-Assisted

What does traditional cataract surgery involve? How about laser-assisted surgery? Let’s take a closer look at each of these types of cataract surgery options.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Traditional surgery to remove a cataract involves using a blade to make a tiny incision on the side of the cornea (the lens) and removing the cataract-clouded lens. Then, an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens is inserted to replace the natural lens. Sutures may be used to close the incision, but it’s more common for the incision to be left to heal on its own over time.

How Long Does Traditional Cataract Surgery Take?

Traditional cataract surgery is a very quick procedure – the actual removal of the cataract-clouded lens only takes about 20 minutes or so. And the recovery period is relatively fast, too. Most people are fully healed and back to normal activities within a few days or weeks.

What is Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery?

Laser surgery to remove a cataract lens utilizes laser technology and 3D imaging. The first step involves the surgeon creating a customized digital plan for the cataract surgery using 3D imaging of the patient’s eye. The process is “mapped” precisely ahead of time.

The procedure involves using an advanced type of laser known as a femtosecond laser to create an opening in the front layer of the lens. The laser breaks up the cloudy lens, and then the lens is suctioned out through small incisions in the patient’s cornea. Next, an intraocular lens replaces the natural lens, just like in traditional cataract surgery.

Differences Between Traditional Cataract Surgery and Laser Cataract Surgery

The result of traditional and laser cataract surgery is the same: removal of the clouded lens and replacement with an artificial one. But there are clear differences between the procedures.

Tools Used

One big difference between these two procedures is in the tools used. With traditional cataract surgery, manual instruments are used – a blade to make an incision in the cornea, and forceps or a suction tool

to remove the lens. In laser surgery, no blades or instruments are used at all. The laser itself makes the incisions and breaks up the clouded lens.

The use of fewer tools in laser cataract surgery adds to the overall safety of the procedure, and many steps in the process are automated and computer-controlled which reduces the risk of complications even further. However, traditional cataract surgery is still a very safe procedure with an extremely low risk of complications or side effects.

Accuracy

Laser cataract surgery uses 3D imaging to create a customized plan for a patient’s cataract removal. And the laser itself allows for very precise incisions and movements. In this way, laser eye surgery for cataracts is overall more accurate and precise than traditional cataract surgery.

Similarities with Traditional and Laser Cataract Surgery

As different as these two types of procedures are, they also share plenty of similarities. Namely, the two types of cataract surgery last the same length of time and are equally safe.

Duration

Whether a surgeon is using manual tools or being assisted by a laser, traditional and laser cataract surgeries are very quick procedures. The removal of the cloudy lens only takes a few minutes – 10 to 20 minutes is the average time, although it can take longer depending on the severity of the cataracts.

Safety

Both types of cataract surgery are extremely safe. It’s one of the most common medical procedures performed by ophthalmologists and eye surgeons. And the procedure is highly effective – according to UCI Health, the success rate is 99 percent.

Schedule a Consultation with the Ophthalmologists at ECVA to Determine Which Cataract Treatment is Right for You

Which cataract treatment is right for you? That depends on the severity of your cataracts, your health history and previous eye surgeries you may have undergone, and the advice of your ophthalmologist and other eye-care professionals. Both types of cataract surgery are used frequently – laser eye surgery for cataracts is generally more precise and may help lessen recovery time, but traditional cataract surgery is a perfectly viable procedure as well.

In the early stages of cataracts, treatment might not be necessary at all. Some patients are aided by different eyeglasses, magnifying glasses, or different and/or stronger lighting. But eventually, cataracts will get worse and start to affect eyesight. At that point or whenever cataracts start to affect a person’s ability to perform normal activities, surgery is usually recommended.

Looking for cataract removal in Buffalo, NY?

If you have signs or symptoms of cataracts, or if you’d like to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available, ECVA can help. The safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our top priority – schedule an appointment at the nearest ECVA clinic today.

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Understanding Cataract Progression

Cataracts are an incredibly common eye condition, particularly as people get older. Often, the disease progresses slowly, giving those with cataracts time to determine which course of action is best for their needs. However, there are times when cataracts can advance quickly, particularly if they’re related to an injury, illness, certain genetic conditions, environmental factors, or if they begin forming early.  

However, even if symptoms aren’t worsening quickly, that doesn’t mean treatment isn’t a necessity. If left unaddressed, cataracts can cause severe vision issues and even blindness.  

By understanding how cataracts progress, you can ensure that you receive treatment properly. Here’s an overview of the early- and late-stage symptoms, as well as guidance on when to seek treatment.  

Early-Stage Cataract Symptoms  

During the early stage of the condition, cataracts themselves tend to be small, limiting their impact on vision. Some of the more common symptoms of this stage include:  

  • Blurriness  
  • Cloudy vision  
  • Color perception changes, including dulling or the appearance that everything is covered in a yellow tint  
  • Double vision  
  • Halos  
  • Reduced night vision  
  • Light sensitivity  
  • Contrast reductions  

Needing to update your glasses or contacts prescription more frequently could also be a sign of cataracts. The same goes for requiring increasingly strong reading glasses.  

Late-Stage Cataract Symptoms  

As cataracts progress, their impact on vision is more significant. Additionally, they can cause the eye itself to turn milky white.  

Here is an overview of late-stage cataract symptoms:  

  • Milky white spot on the lens  
  • Reading difficulties  
  • Significantly decreased visual acuity  
  • Clouding over the entire lens  

When cataracts progress, the alterations to your visual capabilities have a greater impact on your daily life. You may lack the ability to see well enough to accomplish specific tasks, reducing your overall quality of life.  

When to Seek Treatment  

Generally speaking, cataracts become more challenging to treat as the condition progresses. While immediate intervention during the earliest stages may not be necessary, monitoring the cataracts’ progress is essential. That way, they can be appropriately treated once they advance to a critical point or begin having a notable impact on your quality of life.  

Delaying cataract treatment does come with risks. It can lead to significant vision loss and may cause blindness. Alterations to the lens create an increasingly dramatic colorcast over your visual field, making everything seem increasingly yellow or brown.  

Ideally, you want to work closely with your eye care provider. By keeping regular appointments, any signs of cataracts can be caught early. Then, they can track the condition’s progression, ensuring treatment can occur at the proper time. That way, the odds of permanent damage are substantially reduced, allowing you to maintain your vision long-term.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have signs or symptoms of cataracts, want to learn more about the severity of your condition, are exploring treatment options, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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How Long Does It Take to Recover from Cataract Surgery?

When you’re preparing for cataract surgery, you may have questions about your recovery. While knowing that your vision quality will improve is part of that equation, it’s normal to wonder how long recovery takes and what to expect along the way. Additionally, you might want to know if there are signs that you should speak with your eye care provider after the procedure.  

If you want to make sure that you’re ready for your procedure, here’s a look at how long it takes to recover from cataract surgery and what may occur as you heal.  

How Long It Takes to Recover from Cataract Surgery  

In most cases, it takes around eight weeks to fully recover from cataract surgery, though the exact amount of time can vary. Additionally, the process occurs over time. As a result, you’ll notice changes as you progress toward full recovery.  

Usually, patients experience some blurriness after the procedure. As the eye starts to heal, vision begins clearing. Often, you can see initial improvements within the first few days after the surgery. As the days pass, you’ll continue to experience positive changes until your eyes are entirely healed.  

What to Expect as You Recover from Cataract Surgery  

Initially, after cataract surgery, blurry vision is common. Additionally, some itching or mild discomfort is normal for a few days after the procedure.

If you want to make sure that your recovery goes smoothly, follow all of your eye care provider’s instructions. That way, you are increasing your odds of healing quickly and correctly.  

When to Contact Your Eye Care Provider After Cataract Surgery  

As you recover from cataract surgery, you’ll usually see your eye care provider at specific intervals. Your first follow-up appointment is typically a day or two after the procedure. Then, there’s another appointment the next week and a third about a month after the surgery.  

Those appointments allow your eye care provider to track the healing process. That way, they can make sure everything is on track as well as provide guidance as necessary, such as updates to your post-procedure care plan.  

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t contact your eye care provider between those appointments. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, redness, light flashes, or an increase in floaters, reach out to your eye doctor right away. Additionally, if you are experiencing any vision loss, see your eye care provider immediately. Those could all be signs of an issue that may need addressing, so it’s best to get help as quickly as possible.  

Work with Buffalo’s Top Ophthalmologists for Cataract Surgery

At ECVA, the safety and health of your eyes are our priority. If you are looking for ophthalmologists in Buffalo, NY with experience performing cataract surgery, ECVA is here to help. Consult the eye care specialists at any of our four locations to learn more about recovering from cataract surgery in Western New York: Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Williamsville. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.

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The Different Types of Cataracts

Cataracts are a buildup of material in the eye that leads to lens clouding, altering a person’s vision. However, not all cataracts are the same. In fact, there are multiple kinds of cataracts, each with a unique cause, appearance, and impact. If you’d like to know more, here is a quick overview of the different types of cataracts. 

Nuclear Cataracts 

Nuclear cataracts – also called nuclear sclerotic cataracts – are the most common type. They occur as the central part of the lens – known as the nucleus – begins to yellow and harden. Usually, these cataracts result in close-up vision changes and trouble seeing in low light. 

Cortical Cataracts 

With cortical cataracts, cataracts form in the cortex, the outer layer of the lens. As they develop, they grow inward, causing symptoms like halos, glare, blurriness, and depth perception issues. Additionally, they can affect near and distance vision, depending on how they progress. 

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts 

Posterior subcapsular cataracts form along the back of the lens. Halos and glare are common side effects. They can also cause a person’s vision to look smudged. 

Compared to some other kinds of cataracts, posterior subscapular cataracts tend to form quickly. IN some cases, symptoms emerge within mere months of them beginning to form. 

Congenital Cataracts 

While cataracts are usually associated with aging, congenital cataracts are present at birth. Often, the cause of these cataracts is unknown. However, certain health conditions – including genetic issues, metabolic disorders, or inflammation – as well as infections, trauma, and specific medication reactions can be responsible. 

Radiation Cataracts 

In some cases, radiation exposure can cause cataracts. Along with radiation treatments for cancer, significant UV exposure may also lead to the condition. As a result, it can be relatively common in individuals who spend a substantial amount of time outdoors, particularly if they don’t consistently use reliable UV-blocking eye protection. 

Typically, radiation damage to cells on the posterior surface of the lens causes these types of cataracts, resulting in cloudy vision. After a high dose of radiation, symptoms can appear within just a couple of years. With lower doses, it tends to develop more slowly. 

Traumatic Cataracts 

At times, eye injuries can result in cataracts. Both blunt and sharp trauma may lead to the condition regardless of the person’s age. Additionally, they can affect a person’s vision in different ways depending on the nature of the trauma. For example, the point of impact or type of force may play a role in the cataract formation, making each presentation potentially unique. 

Choose a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist for Cataract Treatment

Ultimately, the world of cataracts is far more complex and varied than most people expect. That’s why seeing your eye doctor regularly is so vital. It allows your doctor to examine your eye for signs of the condition and intervene early if they find evidence of cataracts. 

Depending on the severity of the condition, cataract surgery might be necessary. While that might sound intimidating, cataract surgery is a common procedure. Additionally, ECVA has Board-Certified Ophthalmologists that are specifically trained and highly skilled in cataract surgery, offering a top-tier experience to patients when cataract surgical intervention is necessary. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes is our priority. If you are experiencing vision changes that could be related to cataracts or simply haven’t had an eye exam recently, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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What Are The Signs of Cataracts?

Most people are aware of cataracts, largely because it’s an incredibly common condition. Over 24 million adults over the age of 39 have cataracts. By age 75, about half of all Americans end up with the condition.  

Cataracts are not considered a life-threatening condition. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t a hazard. After all, they rob you of your vision, and that can be dangerous.  

By understanding the signs of cataracts, you can remain vigilant about your eye health. If you aren’t sure about the symptoms of cataracts, here is what you need to know.  

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts  

Cataracts are a prevalent condition, often appearing as people age. They happen when tissues within the eye change, particularly as fibers and proteins in the lens start to break down. As the breaking down of materials begins to clump, they effectively cloud the lens, resulting in a range of vision-related changes.  

As with most medical conditions, a person with cataracts may have no symptoms, one symptom, or multiple symptoms. At times, the prevalence of the symptoms is associated with how advanced the condition is, though it may also depend on where cataracts form within the eye.  

Here are some of the most common signs of cataracts 

  • Clouded vision  
  • Light sensitivity  
  • Blurred vision  
  • Dim vision  
  • “Halos” around lights  
  • Fading colors  
  • Yellowing of colors  
  • Double vision in one eye  
  • Trouble with night driving  
  • Needing brighter light to read  
  • Sudden nearsightedness  
  • Frequent prescription changes for glasses  
  • Poor night vision  

In some cases, people with cataracts may also experience physical discomfort. However, the pain isn’t a symptom of cataracts themselves. Instead, it’s usually related to light sensitivity or struggling to overcome vision issues, such as frequent squinting leading to headaches or eye strain.  

The Progression of Cataract Symptoms  

In most cases, cataracts develop pretty slowly. During the early stages, your eyesight may not be notably impacted. Instead, you may simply get a glimpse of cloudiness here and there, if you experience anything at all.  

As the cataract grows, symptoms are usually more pronounced. There may be increasing amounts of cloudiness or light distortion, causing more pronounced vision issues. The more time that passes, the more noticeable symptoms become, potentially reaching a point where vision is dramatically impaired.  

When to See a Doctor About Cataract Signs  

Generally speaking, any change in your vision should be assessed by your eye doctor immediately. Some cataract symptoms are also associated with other eye conditions, including some that can cause significant and permanent damage to your vision. As a result, it’s best to consult with your eye doctor promptly. That way, they can determine the cause of your vision changes and decide which course of action – if any – is necessary.  

If the situation isn’t severe, your symptoms may be addressable with glasses or lighting changes. However, if they progress, cataract surgery might become necessary.  

Schedule Your Eye Exam For Cataract Screening 

At ECVA, we take the safety and health of our patients’ eyes seriously. If you have any signs or symptoms of cataracts, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Cataract Surgery 101: Everything You Need to Know About the Procedure

While hearing that you have cataracts and need surgery can be scary, the condition is surprisingly common and fairly easy to treat. Many older people will have cataracts at some point during their golden years. But, by undergoing cataract surgery, their vision can usually be restored.

A cataract is a form of clouding that happens on the eye’s lens and is usually a normal part of the aging process. The condition causes vision loss that can’t be fixed with corrective lenses or corneal refractive surgeries.

However, modern cataract surgery is a highly effective procedure and is also very safe. If you need cataract surgery, here’s everything you need to know about the procedure.

Before Your Cataract Surgery

Ahead of your cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will measure your eye. This allows them to determine the right focusing power for your intraocular lens (IOL), the artificial lens that will be placed to correct your vision.

You may also get a prescription for medicated eye drops. The drops will help reduce swelling and prevent infection after your procedure.

Your Cataract Surgery

Cataract removal surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. You won’t have to stay overnight at a hospital. Instead, you’ll be allowed to go home once your ophthalmologist clears you after the procedure.

When its time to begin your cataract surgery, a numbing eyedrop or injection is used to numb your eye. You may also be given medications that help you relax, ensuring you remain comfortable during the procedure.

You are awake during cataract removal surgery. While you’ll be able to see light and movement while the procedure is underway, you won’t be able to see what your ophthalmologist is doing to the eye.

Once your eye is numb, your ophthalmologist will examine your eye with a specialized microscope. Then, small incisions are made near your cornea’s edge, allowing your surgeon to reach the lens. Using specialized instruments, your ophthalmologist removes the lens with the cataract after breaking it into small pieces. Once removed, your surgeon places your IOL.

In most cases, stitches aren’t necessary to close the incision. Instead, it will “self-seal,” closing on its own with a little bit of time. Your ophthalmologist will place a shield over your eye, ensuring it stays protected after the procedure. Then, you’ll be taken to recovery, where you’ll rest for about 30 minutes. After that, you can typically go home.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

The recovery process for cataract surgery is fairly simple. You’ll use special eye drops to promote healing. Additionally, you’ll have to take special care around your eyes.

For example, you want to avoid getting water or soap in your eye. You also shouldn’t rub or press on the eye. To make that easier and to further keep your eyes safe, your ophthalmologist might have you wear a shield or eyeglasses for protection.

Your surgeon will also let you know if you need to avoid certain activities – like exercising or driving – until you are fully healed. They will tell you when you should be able to participate in those activities again.

Once healing is complete, your vision will typically be as good, if not better, than it was before the appearance of the cataract. Many IOLs can correct near- or farsightedness, so you may not need a corrective lens for that eye once the healing process is finished.

Ultimately, cataract removal surgery is generally a safe procedure. Before taking part, your ophthalmologist will discuss any risks and considerations you need to be aware of, allowing you to make a decision regarding whether you feel the surgery is right for you.

If you haven’t had your vision checked recently or are looking for an ophthalmologist to perform cataract surgery, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our skilled team works diligently to ensure your eye health, performing thorough exams, allowing vision issues to be corrected, and providing treatment options designed to meet the needs of our patients whenever the need arises.

TALK WITH ONE OF OUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .