Are Cataracts Common?
Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, experience cataracts. In fact, cataracts are so common, it is said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough.
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina. Individuals with cataracts usually describe their vision as cloudy or fuzzy, with a gradual and progressive blurring or dimming of vision. Reading becomes more difficult, and driving a car can become dangerous.
Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. And, as the cataract continues to mature, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions are often necessary.
Currently, there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they begin to form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from inside the eye and replace it with one of several types of Intra-Ocular Lenses (IOLs).
Today there are several IOLs to choose from:
Monofocal: Gives you one range of vision. You may need glasses to see up close or at another range.
Multifocal: This option gives you the ability to see distance, intermediate, and near without being dependent on glasses.
Toric: Correct astigmatism.
The Light Adjustable Lens: This allows optimization of your vision after lens implantation and healing. If you and your doctor select the Light Adjustable Lens, the first step is to have your cataract safely removed and the adjustable IOL implanted.
Ophthalmic Surgeon, Neil B. Griffin, M.D., specializes in cataract, LASIK, and corneal surgery. Dr. Griffin has been named a top cataract surgeon by Precision Eye Services. The National Consumer Advisory Board named Dr. Griffin one of America’s Best Physicians. He has also received over twenty-five local distinctions, including “Best LASIK Surgeon,” “Best Cataract Surgeon” and “Best Ophthalmologist.”
If you would like to learn more about cataract and Intra-Ocular lenses, contact us at griffineyecenter.com or 843-449-6414.