Impaired vision - as light passes though the cataractous lens, it is diffused or scatters. The result is blurred defocused vision
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of visual impairment the world over. A cataract is a clouding or opacity of the natural lens inside the eye. The lens is located just behind the iris (the coloured part of your eye). It functions somewhat like the lens on a camera, focusing the light that enters your eye onto the retina. However, when the lens becomes cloudy, it prevents light and images from passing through to the retina, and the vision becomes impaired. By far, the most common cause of cataracts is the natural aging process. It accounts for over 90% of all cases of cataracts. Medications, trauma, diabetes, genetics, and ultraviolet light can also contribute to the development of cataracts.
The most common symptom of cataracts is blurred vision. Other symptoms can include glare (car headlights at night), double vision, eyestrain, and a yellowish discoloration of the vision. The presence of a cataract alone isn’t an indication for cataract surgery. Many cataracts are mild, and require no treatment in the absence of significant symptoms. Sometimes a change in your prescription will help reduce some of the blurred vision induced by the cataract. However, when the vision is affected to the point that your daily activities are affected (driving at night, reading stock quotes, etc.) cataract surgery is indicated. While this prospect often frightens some patients, the opportunity to restore clear, sharp vision makes cataract surgery one of the safest and most successful operative procedures. Patients are amazed that they can often see better the day after the surgery than they have in many years.
A small incision, barely noticeable, is made for phacoemulsification.
Phaco probe is breaking up and removing pieces of clouded lens.
While there are a number of different techniques to surgically remove cataracts, Dr. Filer specializes in the most advanced method - clear corneal cataract surgery. Since no sutures are used during the surgery, the visual recovery is much faster, and there is little chance of inducing astigmatism, a problem common to the older methods of cataract surgery. As well, there is only minimal downtime, with most patients returning to work, driving, and regular activities the day after surgery.
Inserting folded lens.
Unfolded lens in eye.