What are cataracts and when do mine need to be removed?

The lenses in our eyes never stop growing, even though our eyes do. As they grow denser and denser with cells over time, the lens eventually becomes opaque. This opacity is what we call a cataract. When you develop cataracts, you will notice that your eyes don’t perform as they used to while driving, reading or doing job-related tasks. Vision can become blurred or hazy, and you may experience discomfort in bright light or sunlight.

Who gets cataracts?

Cataracts are an equal-opportunity affliction. Everyone who lives long enough gets them eventually, with most people requiring surgical removal between the ages of 65 and 85. But I’ve also seen cataracts in babies, teens and young adults due to genetics, medication side effects, certain diseases, or eye trauma.

I can detect the initial stages of cataract formation around age 50, before the patient notices changes. I monitor changes from then on, and when the patient’s eyesight cannot be corrected anymore with glasses to allow him or her to see better, I likely will recommend surgery. The procedure is performed by an eye surgeon by breaking up the lens with ultrasound or via a small incision. A plastic lens is inserted, and this new lens becomes a permanent part of the eye.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

Cataract surgery is usually an efficient and painless procedure. Patients can expect to be put in a “twilight state,” rather than given general anesthesia, so they won’t feel or remember the procedure.
Patients react differently to surgery, but most adapt to their new lenses after a few days. It is not unusual for tissue to grow around the new lens. This “after-cataract” will need to be corrected with a laser.

Can I live with cataracts?

Until surgery becomes necessary, patients can live more comfortably with cataracts by adjusting their indoor lighting. Look for lightbulbs that are closest to 6,500 Kelvin; the nearest I’ve seen at Lowe’s and Home Depot are LED 5000 bulbs. The whiter light produced by these bulbs passes more readily through cataracts.

We sell products at Insight Eyecare to help patients magnify their reading material and tasks, and make the space around them brighter. Daylight Company offers a range of products, including a portable magnifier with an LED light and flexible arm.

Many people push off how cataracts are affecting their vision because they don’t want to acknowledge signs of aging. But comfort, safety, and quality of life depend on restoring sharp vision through surgery.

Dr. Jeff Pinkerton
iCare for you.