Doctor Spindel and Dr. Novey, take pride in performing “state of the art” surgery for cataracts. Cataract surgery is performed:

• In an approved outpatient surgery center so you go home the same day.
• With a small incision, no stitch, microscopic technique so your vision returns rapidly.
• With topical anesthesia involving only eye drops and no pain.
• With a foldable intraocular lens which may reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. You may not need to wear glasses after modern cataract surgery.

“State of the art” cataract surgery has been shown to be an effective way to restore vision with very few risks and complications.

We are pleased to offer you this additional information and would be happy to answer your questions by phone or email.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or “fogged” with steam.

There are many misconceptions about cataract. It is:

• Not a film over the eye;
• Not caused by overusing the eyes;
• Not a cancer;
• Not spread from one eye to the other;
• Not a cause of irreversible blindness.

Common symptoms of cataract include:

• A painless blurring of vision;
• Glare, or light sensitivity;
• Frequent eyeglass prescription changes;
• Double vision in one eye;
• Needing brighter light to read;
• Poor night vision;
• Fading or yellowing of colors

The amount and patterns of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.

What causes cataract?

The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Other causes of cataract include:

• Family history;
• Medical problems, such as diabetes;
• Injury to the eye;
• Medications, such as steroids;
• Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight;
• Previous eye surgery

How is a cataract detected?

A thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort.

There may be other reasons for visual loss in addition to the cataract, particularly problems involving the retina or optic nerve. If these problems are present, perfect vision may not return after cataract removal.

If such conditions are severe, removal of the cataract may not result in any improvement in vision. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how much visual improvement is likely.

How fast does a cataract develop?

How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals, and may vary even between two eyes. Most cataracts associated with aging progress gradually over a period of years.

Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a few months and cause vision to worsen. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person.

How is cataract treated?

Surgery is the only way your ophthalmologist can remove the cataract. However, if symptoms from a cataract are mild, a change of glasses may be all that is needed for you to function more comfortably.

There are no medications, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.

Protection from excessive sunlight may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.