Intralase is the safest method for creating the corneal flap. Using the IntraLase FS laser to create the corneal flap with a safe laser beam instead of a blade.
Cataracts
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
A cataract is a condition of the eye that creates a cloudy or an opaque
coating of the lens. Cataract inhibited sight is similar to driving
through fog, or looking through frosted glass. When a cataract is
present, colors often seem faded or more subdued. Also, fuzzy image
perception creates problems for driving safety and accuracy. A cataract
also increases the severity of nearsightedness which additional
inhibits the ability to drive, especially at night.
Who gets cataracts?
Anyone of any age can develop cataracts (acquired cataract), or even
be born with it (congenital cataract). Over 20 million Americans
have a cataract. Most commonly a cataract develops later in
life, usually in people over 60; actually, almost half of people
over 60 years of age have some degree of cataract formation.
Women are at more risk than men, and smokers have more risk
than non smokers of developing cataracts. Also, diabetics
have an increased risk of developing cataracts, as well
as people that use/exposed to steroids.
What causes cataracts?
A cataract is not a growth over the lens, it is a process that
changes the properties of the lens, turning it more opaque
or clouded over time. A cataract is caused by liquefied
and swollen cortical fiber cells. When a cataract is
present, light does not penetrate the lens in a clear,
sharp focused form; the light passes through and disperses,
like the difference between jet stream and wide angle
spray on a garden hose. Thus, a cataract results in
impaired vision; it disrupts the clarity and quality of sight.
*Cataracts can also cause additional eye degeneration such as, amblyopia, glaucoma, or uveitis.
Are there multiple types of cataracts?
Yes. There are different formation types of cataracts,
as well as various levels of severity of cataracts.
Cortical Cataract: opaque fibers; creates glare.
Nuclear Sclerosis: hardened lens; yellowish. Increases nearsightedness and complicates the ability to distinguish colors.
Posterior Subcapsular: cloudiness on the back of the lens.
Mature Cataract: totally white lens.
Morganian cataract: liquefied; nucleus displacement; white cortex.
Hypermature cataract: more developed stage of cataract; includes smaller, wrinkled, calcium deposited lens. This stage can lead to glaucoma due to protein leakage.
What are the solutions? Surgery is the only cure for cataracts.
To get more information on correcting cataracts, make an appointment for a free consultation and evaluation by any of the
Luna Eye Center Doctors in your area or call us at 1-888-586-2393 to get a referral for a local ophthalmologist near you.
