Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. 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 at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye’s focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. You have a cataract when the nucleus becomes yellow and cloudy.
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, 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.
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 distance 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
Cataract 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.
