A cataract is the "clouding" of the eye's lens, and it is among the most common ailments of the eye.
Cataracts may initially have no symptoms, but eventually cause a painless, gradual decrease in vision. Cataracts are very common in older people. By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans will have had cataracts or cataract surgery.
Cataracts can cause "cloudy" vision. Cataract surgery is effective in improving vision in about 90% of cases.
Causes of cataracts include:
- Aging
- Sunlight exposure
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Eye trauma
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes
- Certain medications such as steroids
Common symptoms are:
- Blurred vision
- Glare
- Halos
- Dimness of color vision
Fortunately, the vision loss caused by cataracts can be reversed by having cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery
Changing glasses or using other visual aids may help you improve your vision in the short term. However, cataract surgery is often the most effective treatment option to enhance your vision, because having a cataract is like having a “dirty window” inside the eye.
The decision to elect corrective surgery will depend on the severity of your vision loss and the impact it has on the quality of your life. Eye surgeons at UCH are now able to offer you the option of cataract surgery at a much earlier stage.
LenSx laser for cataract surgery
The UCH Eye Center now offers the LenSx laser for treating cataracts.
This FDA-approved laser allows patients to undergo “bladeless” cataract surgery
in a more precise manner than traditional cataract surgery.
LenSx allows for cataracts to be treated more effectively than ever before.
Currently LenSx is available in the Denver metro area only at the University of Colorado Hospital Eye Center.
An effective treatment option
Cataract removal is one of the most effective and commonly performed surgeries in the U.S., resulting in improved vision in about 90% of cases.
In and out the same day
Cataract surgery at the Eye Center is performed on an outpatient basis – this
means that you can go home the same day.
After administering eye drops and perhaps a mild sedative, your eye surgeon will make a small incision in the eye to remove the cloudy lens. The surgeon next implants in your eye a clear intraocular lens to replace the cloudy lens that was removed.
The new intraocular lens is able to correct your distance and near vision as well as astigmatism. This allows many patients to be less dependent on glasses; following surgery, they often go glasses-free. Our physicians offer the latest intraocular lens technology.
After your cataract procedure, you will stay for a short time in the outpatient recovery area, and then you'll be allowed to go home. Your physician may give you an eye patch to wear for protection.
Getting a Second Opinion
As with any surgery, it is important to feel comfortable with both your doctors and the staff. University of Colorado Hospital is happy to offer a second opinion and to work with you if you choose to come to our hospital for your surgery.