With the number of individuals afflicted with cataracts exceeding 20 million in the United States, those considering Laser Cataract Surgery in Appleton WI, are not alone. The leading cause of blindness worldwide is cataracts. But, what are cataracts and their warning signs? Most importantly, are cataracts treatable?
Cataracts. What are they?
Cataracts can be a natural result of the ageing process or be present at birth (congenital). Cataracts due to the ageing process far outnumber those due to congenital defects, but both produce the same results. Healthy, non-affected eyes have clear lenses. The responsibility of the eye’s lens is to convert the light that reaches the eye’s retina into electrical signals that are interpreted by the brain as images. As part of the aging process, the eye’s lens becomes clouded, making sight difficult.
Cataracts and its Symptoms
The most common symptom described is foggy or hazy vision. As the cataracts progress, the blurred vision worsens, and tasks like driving become difficult, if not dangerous, especially after dark. Contact The Green Apple Eye Care Office if you experience difficulty differentiating people’s faces, trouble reading, viewing a computer or phone screen, or watching television.
Diagnosis of Cataracts
A diagnosis of cataracts is made after an eye care professional performs an array of specific tests. One basic test uses the conventional eye chart of letters to assess a patient’s visual acuity. The eye care professional will also utilize a specially designed microscope to examine the lens, cornea, and iris of the eye. Surgery to Treat Cataracts
Laser cataract surgery in Appleton WI is often the treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery entails removal of the affected lens and replacing it with an artificial one. The surgery is usually less than one hour in length and is done on an out-patient basis. The type of lenses used are either mono or multi focal, depending on whether distance correction is needed or both distance and near vision correction are required. Surgery is performed on one eye per session.
Eye care professionals believe the prevailing risk factor for cataracts is age. However, research indicates that pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, years of sunlight exposure without UV protection, and eye trauma or injury also are key contributors to the development of cataracts. While it’s uncertain if cataracts are preventable, regular eye exams are definitely beneficial in early diagnosis and successful treatment.
