A cataract is a common condition that causes a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, and affects millions of people each year, including more than half of all Americans over the age of 65.  Cloudiness develops as a result of a buildup of protein in the lens.

Cataracts cause a progressive, painless loss of vision.  The lens clouds naturally as we age causing people to develop a gradual reduction of vision.  The exact cause of cataracts is unknown, although it may be a result of injury, certain medications (for example, steroids), illnesses (such as diabetes), prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking.

Diagnosing Cataracts

Your doctor will perform a thorough examination and series of tests in order to diagnose a cataract.  A dilated eye exam is typically necessary, so that your doctor may examine the lens and other structures of the eye.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Patients with cataracts often do not experience any symptoms when the condition first develops.  Cataracts will continue to progress with no apparent pain, although patients may experience:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Double vision
• Poor vision in bright light
• Seeing halos around lights
• Poor vision at night, especially while driving
• Yellowish tinged vision
• Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription

Treatment of Cataracts

If visual impairment begins to interfere with your ability to drive, read, work, or do the things you enjoy, you may want to consider cataract surgery to restore your vision.  Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US, and can be performed quickly and easily with minimal risk of complications.

Cataract Surgery

Dr. Kessler uses a small incision technique that is performed on an outpatient basis at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.  Cataract surgery is comfortable, convenient, and close to home.  The entire procedure usually requires three hours of your time from beginning to end.  The actual surgical procedure is painless and usually takes 15-20 minutes.

Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye.  This lens is known as an intraocular lens (IOL), and can often be inserted through the same incision that the old lens was removed from.  It is important to understand your lens implant options, so you can choose a lens that best matches your lifestyle.

Types of Lens Implants (IOLs)

Monofocal Lenses

A Monofocal lens implant is the most basic type of lens implant used to correct vision after cataract surgery. A monofocal lens implant can provide great vision after cataract surgery, but only at one set distance and usually for seeing things far away, such as for driving or going to the movies. A monofocal lens implant does not correct intermediate or near vision, and you will still require glasses for near and intermediate tasks.

Toric Lens for Astigmatism Correction

Astigmatism can be a significant cause of blurred vision. For patients with visually significant levels of astigmatism, Dr. Kessler offers the Toric lens to achieve optimal correction of the astigmatism that is creating the blur.  With the Toric lens, your vision will usually be set for distance; reading glasses will be necessary for near and intermediate work.  Dr. Kessler offers the Bausch & Lomb Aspire Toric IOL, and he would be happy to discuss this lens in further detail with you.

Multifocal and Extended Depth of Focus(EDOF) Lenses

The Multifocal IOL Lens has a series of rings that work with light and your pupil to enhance vision for distance, intermediate and near. This means clear vision and reduction in spectacle dependency.  The Extended Depth of Focus IOL Lens corrects vision so that a patient has distance, intermediate and some functional near vision. This means vision for driving, computer type work and some reading with reduced glasses dependency.  Dr. Kessler offers the Panoptix and Envy Multifocal IOLs and the Vivity EDOF IOL for patients interested in reducing their dependence on eyeglasses after cataract surgery.   He will be happy to discuss if you might be a good candidate for one of these lenses.

Risks and Complications

Although cataract surgery is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any surgery.  Some of these risks may include pain, infection, swelling and bleeding.  Your doctor will discuss the cataract surgery in more detail during your visit.