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What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens, which lies behind the iris (the colored part) and the pupil (the black center). The lens is a clear, oval structure with three layers: the nucleus, the cortex, and the capsule. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina (light-sensitive tissue) at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye’s focus, allowing us to see things clearly, both up close and far away. A cataract develops when the nucleus becomes opaque (cloudy), or when small, cloudy areas develop in the cortex, cloudy your natural lens and blocking or scattering light.
What does this all mean? Basically, when a cataract is present, it may seem as though the eye is looking through a foggy window or a piece of waxed paper. Cataracts are very common; in fact, all of us will develop cataracts over the course of our lifetimes. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing cataracts earlier than others.
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Recognizing Cataract Symptoms
Cataract development is often subtle, with many individuals unaware of its progression due to gradual changes in vision. Early on, only a doctor can detect and diagnose cataracts.
Some of the symptoms of cataracts that may become noticeable:
- Blurry distance vision, particularly outdoors
- Seeing streaks or rays of light, especially when facing headlights or traffic lights.
- Feeling the need to shield your eyes from sunlight, using a hand or visor.
- Printed materials appearing faded or lacking contrast.
- Colors appearing faded or altered—blue may seem green, and yellow may appear white.
- Difficulty reading menus in dimly lit restaurants.
UNDERSTANDING CATARACT TREATMENT OPTIONS
Cataracts are typically managed through surgery. It’s advisable to consider cataract surgery when the condition significantly impairs your vision, hindering daily activities. During surgery, we typically remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens or an intraocular lens (IOL). However, if the impact of cataracts or cloudy lens on your eyesight is mild, alternative options such as updating your prescription or acquiring stronger reading glasses may suffice. Maintain regular visits to your eye doctor to monitor the progression of the cataract.
If you’re aged 45 or above and experiencing vision changes, or if you believe you may benefit from cataract surgery, we encourage you to reach out to the Nielsen Eye Center. Schedule a consultation at our Boston-area practice to discuss your options for cataract surgery.
Cataract development is a gradual process. Many people are unaware they have cataracts because the changes in their vision are so gradual. In fact, in the early stages of its development, only a doctor can detect cataract formation.
As cataracts continue to progress, however, the following symptoms may be noticeable:
- Blurry vision, especially outdoors
- Streaks or rays of light, especially when exposed to oncoming headlights or to traffic lights
- Instinctively shading your eyes from the sun, either with a hand or a visor.
- Printed materials appearing faded or lacking contrast
- Colors appearing faded or changing hue – blue may look green and yellow may appear white
- Difficulty reading menus in restaurants with low-lighting
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Video libraryCataract Treatment
Cataracts are treated with surgery. Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities. If your eyes are not seriously affected by cataracts, then it may be possible for you to get the help you need from a new distance prescription or stronger reading glasses. Continue to see your eye doctor regularly to evaluate how the cataract is progressing.
If you are 45+ and you notice a vision change, or you think you might be a candidate for cataract surgery, please contact the Nielsen Eye Center to schedule a consultation for cataract surgery at our Boston area Boston practice.
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Our team of Boston-based eye doctors comprises leading experts in laser vision correction and eye surgery. At Nielsen Eye Center, we’re committed to providing personalized care to help you maintain healthy and clear vision for years to come. Learn more about our top providers and the exceptional service you can expect at Nielsen Eye Center, your premier destination for laser vision-correction, cataract surgery, and comprehensive eye care in Boston.
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LOCATIONS NEAR BOSTON, MA
Schedule your appointment today at one of our four convenient offices situated on the South Shore. Serving the greater Boston area, our locations in Quincy, Weymouth, Norwell, and Norwood are here to provide exceptional eye care tailored to your needs.
Steven Nielsen, M.D.
Since 1991, Dr. Steven A. Nielsen has performed over 25,000 successful laser procedures, leveraging the latest advancements in eye surgery. Dr. Nielsen earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California and completed his residency at the Doheny Eye Institute. He serves as the President of Nielsen Eye Center and the Medical Director of both the Cataract and Laser Center and the Quincy Laser Eye Center.
Helen Moreira, M.D.
As a partner and co-owner with Dr. Nielsen, Dr. Helen Moreira tailors solutions to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Moreira has successfully performed thousands of procedures, including LASIK, refractive cataract surgery, glaucoma treatments, and eyelid surgeries. She completed her Ophthalmology residency at Brown University, graduated from Mount Holyoke College, and earned her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Shobha Topgi, M.D.
Dr. Shobha Topgi, MD, a retina specialist and cataract surgeon at Nielsen Eye Center, is dedicated to delivering optimal visual outcomes through technical expertise and patient-focused care. She earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University of Ohio and her medical degree from Rush Medical College at Rush University in Chicago. Dr. Topgi specializes in retinal and vitreous diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal inflammatory diseases, and advanced cataract surgery.
Nitasha Khanna, M.D.
Dr. Khanna, a board-certified and fellowship-trained LASIK, cataract, and cornea surgeon at Nielsen Eye Center, specializes in advanced dry eye and external disease. Dr. Khanna graduated from the prestigious BA/MD program at Temple University and Lewis Katz School of Medicine. She completed her internship at Pennsylvania Hospital, her Ophthalmology residency at Brown University, and a Cornea and External Disease fellowship at the University of Maryland.
