Diagnosing Cataracts

Our physicians will perform a comprehensive eye examination including a contrast sensitivity test to determine how much of your vision has been affected by a cataract.  When your vision had deteriorated enough to affect your everyday activities or hobbies, your cataracts should be removed.

Treating Cataracts

Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts.  Once they form, the only way to achieve clear vision is through cataract surgery.

When Is It Time For Surgery

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.

In your parents’ or grandparent's day, cataract surgery was considered risky.  It required a lengthy hospital stay.  It was for these reasons that it was usually postponed for as long as possible.  Today, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only 10-15 minutes.  It is now one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed.  In fact, following cataract surgery many patients experience vision that is actually better than what they had before they developed cataracts.  Patients can usually drive the next day.