Frequently Asked Questions

Cataracts

Other Common Questions

• Where is my lens located?
• Can cataracts be prevented?
• Do they hurt?
• Are cataracts harmful to my eyes?
• Do cataracts need to be "mature" or "ripe" before they are removed?
• Why is cataract surgery done?
• Is surgery the only treatment?
• Can I have surgery if I have diabetes or glaucoma?
• Can my cataract return?

Where is my lens located?

The lens, about the size of an aspirin, is located directly behind the pupil (the black center of your eye). It consists of a transparent outer covering filled with a clear gel-like material. The lens works with the cornea (the front surface of your eye) to focus light rays onto the back of the eye.

Can cataracts be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to keep them from forming or to stop them from growing once they have developed. But protecting your eyes from bright sunlight or ultraviolet rays and eating a healthy diet may help delay cataract formation. Also, there is some evidence that anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, C and E may help slow cataract development.

Do they hurt?

There are no nerves inside the lens of your eye, so the formation of cataracts does not generally cause pain, discomfort or redness.

Are cataracts harmful to my eyes?

They are not dangerous to the health of your eye unless they become "mature" cataracts and turn completely white. In this advanced stage, the cataract can cause inflammation and pain and should be removed immediately.

Do cataracts need to be "mature" or "ripe" before they are removed?

No, not any more. Years ago patients were encouraged to wait until their cataracts were fully developed-ripe or mature-and seeing things for those patients was really difficult. At that time, because surgical methods were so risky, treatment was put off as long as possible. However, with the sophisticated equipment and advanced surgical techniques we use today, it is easier on the eye when a cataract is removed earlier instead of later.

Why is cataract surgery done?

Surgery is recommended when your eyesight causes frustration with daily activities and your quality of life is not as good as it should be as a result of not seeing well.

Is surgery the only treatment?

As cataracts develop, they often cause the eye to become more nearsighted. Prescription changes in your eyeglasses may help you see better, however, eventually there won't be any change in eyeglasses prescription that will be able to make the vision any clearer. At this point, if you want good clear vision again, the only option is surgery.

Can I have surgery if I have diabetes or glaucoma?

This is definitely something that the surgeon needs to know about ahead of surgery. Each patient is different, so each case can vary. Generally, if diabetes is adequately controlled, surgery is generally not a problem. Glaucoma does not usually pose a problem either and sometimes the surgeon will perform an extra procedure along with cataract surgery to help control the glaucoma.

Can my cataract return?

Because the lens of your eye has been removed, it is not possible for a cataract to grow back. However, in the months and years after surgery, about half of cataract patients experience some reduction in vision. Some patients will notice that their vision becomes fuzzy and dim much like it was when they had a cataract. This cloudiness of the capsule (the shell that that lens was in) happens due to some left over cells from the lens which grows across the back surface of the capsule. It is often called a secondary cataract, and the surgeon easily treats this with an in-office YAG laser procedure, which is painless.

Visual perception photos above of ocular disease come from the NIH website.