The eye functions like a camera.  It has a lens to focus light on to the retina.  The retina or back part of the eye acts like the film in a camera.  As the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, it begins to block light and starts to limit your sight.  This is called a cataract. Age related cataracts are the most common form of cataracts, and they are a leading cause of legal blindness in the United States.  It is estimated that nearly 1/3 of all people over the age of 65 develop a cataract.  Recent research results points to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight as the cause of cataracts.  Our ophthalmologists urge you to always wear sunglasses with UV protection when you are in the sunlight.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Most cataracts develop over a period of time.  Sometimes the development is so slow that the individual may be unaware that he or she has a cataract.  Cataracts can affect vision in many ways. Some of the more common symptoms of cataracts may include: increased difficulty driving at night, halos around lights at night, increased glare in sunlight or with night driving, fuzzy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing street signs, difficulty reading fine print, difficulty following a golf ball, the inability to renew a driver's license, and colors that appear faded or less vivid.

Treatment

The only treatment of symptomatic cataracts is cataract surgery which involves the removal of the clouded natural lens and replacement with an artificial lens or implant.

When It's Time...

Dr. Kaufman recommends that cataracts be removed only when they begin to interfere with your normal everyday activities.  Many people have small cataracts that do not cause problems with their normal activities.  In those cases, Dr. Kaufman would not recommend surgery.

No Stitches - The Self-Sealing Incision

The size and position of the opening usually results in the incision healing on its own, so no stitches are required.  With this unique beveled incision, the tissues of the eye are allowed to close over themselves and seal naturally.  Since there are no blood vessels in the cornea, there's no chance of intraocular hemorrhage.

For more information on Cataracts and Cataract Surgery, please contact us at one of our locations serving the Tampa Area, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Sun City Center and Bushnell communities..