cataract

Cataract

For more information on cataracts or to schedule your appointment contact our office today.

(316) 729-8900

"Our only job is to make your

eyes last the rest of your life!"

Normal Vision

Same image viewed by a person with a cataract

Healthy Eyes for Life

Dr. Ronald L Fiegel O.D., P.A.

2230 N Ridge Road Ste E

Wichita, KS 67205

(316) 729-8900

www.drfiegel-hefl.com

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Causes

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision. Most cataracts develop in people over age 55, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other.

The lens is composed of layers like an onion. The outermost is the capsule. The layer inside the capsule is the cortex, and the innermost layer is the nucleus. A cataract may develop in any of these areas and is described based on its location in the lens:

A nuclear cataract is located in the center of the lens. The nucleus tends to darken changing from clear to yellow and sometimes brown.

A cortical cataract affects the layer of the lens surrounding the nucleus. It is identified by its unique wedge or spoke appearance.

A posterior capsular cataract is found in the back outer layer of the lens. This type often develops more rapidly.

Blurred, hazy, or vision

Reduced intensity of colors

Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly when driving at night

Increased difficulty seeing at night

Change in the eye's refractive error

Most cataracts are due to age-related changes in the lens. However, other factors can contribute to their development including:

Diabetes mellitus - Persons with diabetes are at higher risk for cataracts.

Drugs - Certain medications have been found to be associated with the development of a cataract.

Ultraviolet radiation - Studies have shown that there is an increased chance of cataract formation with unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Smoking - An association between smoking and increased nuclear opacities has been reported.

Alcohol - Several studies have shown increased cataract formation in patients with higher alcohol consumption compared with people who have lower or no alcohol consumption.

Cataracts can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. This examination may include:

Patient history to determine vision difficulties experienced by the patient that may limit their daily activities and other general health concerns affecting vision.

Visual acuity measurement to determine to what extent a cataract may be limiting clear vision at distance and near.

Refraction to determine the need for changes in an eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

Evaluation of the lens under high magnification and illumination to determine the extent and location of any cataracts.

Evaluation of the retina of the eye through a dilated pupil.

Measurement of pressure within the eye.

Supplemental testing for color vision and glare sensitivity.

Treatment

In some cases, a change in eyeglass prescription may provide temporary improvement in visual acuity. Increasing the amount of light used when reading may be beneficial. The use of anti-glare coatings on clear lenses can help reduce glare for night driving.

When a cataract progresses to the point that it affects a person's ability to do normal everyday tasks, surgery may be needed. Cataract surgery involves removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. The artificial lens requires no care and can significantly improve vision. New artificial lens options include those that simulate the natural focusing ability of a young healthy lens.