Cataract is a term used to describe the clouding of the crystalline lens in the eye. The most common cause of cataracts is the normal aging of the lens. This is the reason why most of those afflicted with cataracts are seniors. Less common causes of cataract include trauma, systemic diseases , inflammatory eye diseases, and the use of certain drugs.

For more information on cataracts, please see Cataracts.

Treatment Options
First a few words about prevention of cataract formation. There is no known way to make the cloudy lens clear after a cataract has developed. However, recent studies have shown that the development of cataracts may be delayed by following certain lifestyle practices — such as giving up smoking, protecting the eyes from UV rays (wear sunglasses), lowering blood sugar levels, eating fruits and vegetables frequently and wearing protective eye wear when engaged in activities that may cause injury to the eyes.
Early cataracts with minimal symptoms in many cases can be helped by prescribing glasses. Often a developing cataract will produce thickening of the lens resulting in refractive myopia. This can be remedied by proper glasses. The glare experienced with nighttime lights and on sunny days can be helped with polarized lenses. As the cataract advances and symptoms become worse, such that lifestyle is effected ie.. one is not able to enjoy usual activities because of reduced or aggravated vision, cataract surgery should be considered. Fortunately, modern microsurgery offers a very real solution to the cataract problem. If there are no other serious problems with the eye, cataract surgery performed by a skilled surgeon can provide excellent vision in more than 97% of cases.

Modern Cataract Surgery
Dr. Ullman is an expert in the modern art of cataract surgery. He performs the procedure through a tiny 3-millimeter incision, under topical anesthesia. No needles to numb the eye, or strong intravenous drugs are necessary. The cloudy lens is removed using gentle pulses from a small probe that emits high frequency sound waves. The procedure is called phacoemulsification. An intraocular lens implant (IOL), made out of a soft material such as acrylic or silicone, is then rolled into a syringe-like device that allows Dr. Ullman to inject it into the eye.

This all takes place through the initial three-millimeter incision! At the end of the procedure, the wound will self-seal, so that no stitches are necessary. Cataract surgery done this way is quick (usually taking 15-20 minutes), relatively painless, and provides a fast visual recovery. Most people have useful vision immediately afterwards and return to work quickly.

Facts About Cataracts

• Cataracts would most likely develop in every person if he or she lived long enough.

• Cataracts are not tumors or cancers. They cannot spread. They are not contagious.

• A cataract is not a film or a growth over the surface of the eye, and thus it cannot be removed simply by peeling a film off the eye. A cataract is a clouding of the lens, which is inside the eye.

• Cataracts are not caused by eye strain or using your eyes too much, such as in reading or watching television.

• Cataracts progress differently in different people. They progress at their own rate, regardless of whether the eyes are used or not. Not using your eyes will not slow down the progress or development of a cataract.

• There is no proof that cataracts are related to diet or that special diets will prevent cataracts.

• Cataracts are not caused by normal exposure to sunlight.

• Unfortunately, the only treatment for cataracts at this time is surgical removal. Other treatments, such as eye exercise, vitamins, diets, lasers, and special eye drops, are not yet proven effective.

We invite you to contact the Ullman Eye Center to discuss your needs or any questions you may have.  Simply complete our form, or you may send an e-mail to: info@ullmaneyes.com.