Cataract is an eye condition, a cloudy area in the eye lens. Cataracts are so common when a person ages. More than half of the American population aged 80 and above have cataracts or had surgery to prevent cataracts. The clouding of the eye’s lens means the eye starts to build up.

People with cataracts will see the cloudy lenses, like looking through a fogged-up or frosty window. The clouded vision caused by cataracts makes it more difficult for a person to read, drive a car, and even see the expression on another person’s face. Most cataracts develop slowly and never disturb eyesight at the earliest.

However, it appears in time, and cataracts eventually affect vision, so cataract surgery can be the best solution to remove this unwanted eye condition. It is a safe and effective procedure to eliminate cataracts and regain clear vision.

Types of cataracts

Nuclear cataract. It is a cataract that affects the center of the lens. It may at first cause objects in a distance to be blurry but objects closer to look are clearer. Nuclear cataracts may improve reading vision in just a short time. In time, the lens will slowly turn brown or yellow and make the vision worsen.

• Cortical cataract. It is a cataract that affects the edges of the lens. It begins as white, streaks or wedge-shaped spots on the outer edge of the lens cortex. While the cataract slowly grows, the streak will spread to the center affecting light passing through the lens.
• Posterior subcapsular cataracts. It is a cataract that affects the back of the lens. It starts as a small spot that forms near the back of the lens. It often affects the reading vision. It may reduce the vision in bright light and cause halos or glare around lights at night. These cataracts grow faster than the others.
• Congenital cataract. A cataract that is inborn. Some people are born with cataracts or it has developed during childhood. These cataracts are passed down from parents or inheritance. It may also be associated with an infection or trauma, while they are in the womb. Congenital cataracts may caused by certain conditions:
  • Myotonic dystrophy
  • Galactosemia
  • Neurofibromatosis type 2

Congenital cataracts don’t affect vision. If it does, it is removed soon after being found.

How is the surgery done?

Phacoemulsification is a common type of cataract surgery. While in the process, the rapidly vibrating tip of the ultrasound probe will break up the cataract. The surgeon suctioned out the lens. An outer housing of the cataract or lens capsule is left in place.

Cataracts cause blurry vision and it increases the glare from the lights. If the cataract makes it difficult to carry out the usual activities, the health care team would suggest

phacoemulsification. When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye issue, surgery is recommended.

For example, a doctor may recommend surgery if the cataract makes it hard for your eye doctor to examine the back of the eye to treat or monitor the other eye problems.