Disclaimer: We have selected a number of typical topic headings as general guides for our patients.
Please contact us by phone with any specific questions.
Cataract

A cataract is the normal aging of the human lens within the eye. There are many types of cataracts. The most common is the nuclear cataract that develops during a lifetime in a slow, progressive and painless manner. The lens of the human eye works like the lens of a camera. However, the flexible lens hardens with age and becomes cloudy and opaque. It can no longer transmit clear and focused images to the brain via the retina. Vision becomes blurry and there is glare when looking at bright lights, especially when driving at night. Spectacle lenses may have to be changed from time to time due to the increased nearsightedness that occurs with progressive nuclear cataracts. This is called "the myopic shift". When vision levels of 20/40 or worse (20/20 is normal) are reached, and glasses will no longer correct the vision to acceptable levels, or the vision is such that an individual's day to day lifestyle is compromised, surgery should be considered. (See cataract surgery under Services.)

© Copyright 2003 Medical Eye Associates S.C., & Web Centers of America, Inc.