Questions and answers on Cataract

What is cataract? Cataract is progressive opacification of the natural lens of the eye. It is not actually a disease but a natural aging process, which affects everyone on a certain age. That age is different amongst people, though most persons developing visually significant cataract are usually over 60. A small percentage have cataracts in a younger age (even children might have cataracts), due to inheritance, secondary to other eye diseases or due to certain medications, such as steroids.

What are the symptoms related to cataract? The main symptom is gradual deterioration of vision. Initially this can be small and evident only in reading or driving, but progressively it worsens and affects all aspects of everyday life. Generally both eyes are affected, though at a different degree. People with cataracts might also have increased sensitivity to light, might frequently change their spectacle prescription or even start reading without glasses as they age!

Which is the treatment for cataract? The only treatment is cataract operation. The surgery consists of emulsification of the cataract inside the eye with ultrasound and replacement of the lens with an artificial plastic lens. Contrary to the older days of cataract surgery, it is much better for the operation to take place earlier rather than later, because much less ultrasound energy is employed in the eye. The operation is usually carried out under topical anaesthetic (just drops) through a small incision that does not require sutures. It is such a safe operation that many older people choose the same operation to get rid of their spectacles in cases of short-sight ness or long-sight ness. After the operation, patients need glasses for reading. Another newer option is an accommodative lens that works like the natural younger lens of the eye and reduces or eliminates the need for reading spectacles.

What if an accommodative lens is chosen? These lenses give independence from glasses in the majority of patients. One might need though weak glasses for special tasks, like night driving or reading very small print. Patients usually don't need spectacles for 80 to 90% of everyday activities. According to our experience we usually prefer the following lens, which has been used in thousands of patients and is approved in Europe and currently under FDA trials in the USA:

Tetraflex provides good distant, intermediate and near vision. It is a good choice for people who do not want compromise in their distant vision.

Dr George Kampougeris will discuss with you the best choice for your individual needs. Remember that modern cataract surgery not only allows immediate visual rehabilitation from the cataract but also spectacle independence!