Cataracts: causes, symptoms and treatments

What causes cataracts?

Most cataracts develop when aging changes the tissue that makes up the eye's lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens break down, causing vision to become hazy or cloudy. This is called age-related cataracts.

However, cataracts are not only age-related; babies are also born with them (called congenital cataracts) from conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma/CPOD (due to prolonged steroid use) called secondary cataract or head trauma (traumatic cataracts)

As cataracts mature, they reduce vision over time, and medications, eye drops, glasses, or exercises cannot reverse the process. The only way to treat cataracts is to surgically remove them and replace the damaged lens with a new clear lens.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

• Your vision becomes cloudy, blurred, or double vision.
• Your eyes are light and glare-sensitive.
• You will have difficulty with night vision.
• Colors begin fading, appear less vibrant, or have a yellowing tint. 
• You will see halos around lights.
• You’ll need better lighting for reading.
• Frequent changes to an eyeglass prescription.

It’s important to note that you may experience all or just a few of the symptoms above. 

Can cataracts be treated without surgery?

No! Cataracts cannot be treated without surgery; Frequent prescription changes for new eyeglasses, anti-glare sunglasses, lens tints, and lifestyle changes can help temporarily. But the only way to fix a cataract and restore your vision is with surgery.

Early cataract intervention can help retain and regain the quality of vision missed. Surgical removal of cataracts is almost always recommended when vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV.

Is cataract surgery safe? 

Yes. Cataract surgery is a safe, routine procedure. AGEI performs the most advanced cataract procedures and technology. About 95% of our patients have no stitches or patching and go home in a few hours. Thus, problems during and after cataract surgery are rare in our experienced surgeon's hands.

Is cataract surgery painful? 

Modern cataract surgical procedures are virtually painless and do not involve bleeding. Your AGEI surgical team will numb the surface of your eye using anesthetic eyedrops so that you won’t feel anything during surgery. You may also receive medicine to help you relax. 

You’ll be awake during your surgery; the inoperative eye will be draped, and an instrument called a speculum will hold the surgical eye open. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure, and this is normal. 

What can I expect during cataract surgery? 

Our cataract surgeons use a Femtosecond laser to create a tiny 2-millimeter incision through which the entire surgery is performed. 

The laser is then used to access and soften your cloudy natural lens so that it can be easily broken up using gentle ultrasound energy. A new, permanent lens, called an intraocular lens, replaces the removed clouded lens.

Learn about cataract surgery recovery here.

What are my replacement intraocular lens options? 

Patients can choose from two types of lenses:

Mono-focal IOL lens 

A single-vision lens allows patients to see sharply at one focal point, and they will need glasses for driving or reading. This lens is covered by insurance.

Premium IOL lens 

Premium lenses, such as Johnson & Johnson's state-of-the-art Odyssey IOL, are sight-correcting lenses that can restore sharp vision by correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Basically, we can restore eyeglasses' vision (or better) without you having to wear eyeglasses! Premium IOL lenses are generally not covered by insurance.

Learn more about our premium IOL lens options here.

Experience Assil Gaur Eye Institute cataract surgery advantage 

At the Assil Gaur Eye Institute, your vision is our mission. With us, you are not treated just as a patient but as a part of our family. We are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care to protect and improve your vision.

Advanced Technology

Assil Gaur Eye Institute stands at the forefront of technological advancements in eye care. Our facility boasts state-of-the-art equipment that ensures the most precise and effective treatment for cataracts. This, along with the latest surgical techniques, ensures a speedy recovery with the least discomfort.

Expert Surgeons

Our team of renowned surgeons is not only leaders in the field but is also dedicated to each patient's needs. With years of specialized training, developing leading-edge techniques, and a wealth of experience in cataract surgery, we deliver the highest standards of care, resulting in successful outcomes and satisfied patients.

Patient Care

Assil Gaur Eye Institute is distinguished by its holistic approach to patient care. We believe in treating the condition and providing comprehensive support and care. Our patient-centric approach ensures you feel listened to, respected, and confident in the care you receive. We are dedicated to providing the very best post-operative cataract treatment anywhere.

Education and Engagement

We believe in empowering our patients through knowledge. Our team invests time in ensuring you fully understand your condition and treatment options. This helps you to make an informed decision about your care.

Track Record

Trust is not given; it's earned. At Assil Gaur Eye Institute, our track record of successful surgeries and the positive feedback from our patients speaks for itself. We strive to uphold our reputation as the most trusted place for cataract surgery.

In short, Assil Gaur Eye Institute combines world-class technology, expert surgeons, personalized care, patient education, and a strong track record to provide the best and most trusted service in cataract surgery. Trust us to deliver the care you deserve because every eye is precious at Assil Gaur Eye Institute.

Our eye centers are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.

In addition to laser cataract surgery, the ophthalmologists at AGEI are nationally recognized for their treatment options for a full range of conditions, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, floaters and flashes, dry eye, presbyopia, keratoconus, diabetic retinopathy, LASIK laser eye surgery, and much more.

References

IOL Implants: Lens Replacement and Cataract Surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/cataracts-iol-implants