Cataracts

We see objects when light from a source i.e. sunlight, incandescent light, flourescent light, etc., is reflected off an object and into our eye. Reflected light enters our eye and passes through several translucent anatomical structures. These structures focus the light onto the back of the eye, the [Retina]. The first layer the light ray travels through is the [Cornea]. The Cornea is responsible for most of the focus power of the eye. Light is bent by the cornea, passes the [Iris] through its center [(Pupil)] where it is focused further. It then travels through the Lens of the eye. The Lens of the eye is a fine tuning device for focusing and from the Lens, light is focused onto the Retina.

Iris Pupil Light Ray Retina Cornea Lens Any change in physiological properties of the eye that decrease light transmission constitutes a Cataract. The most common changes in age related Cataract occur in the Lens of the eye. The Lens of the eye sits behind the colored part of the eye, or Iris. The Lens is a bi-convex lens, kind of like the lens in a magnifying glass. The Lens of the eye is made up of thousands of fibers, densely packed together. They are packed so tight that distances between fibers are less than one wavelength of light. This arrangement allows light to pass through the lens unimpeded. The spacing of the fibers is affected over time by free-radicalization, or damage to the fibers by cellular oxidation. Free radicals slowly damage fibers over time, causing them to separate and opacify. Fluid leaks into the spaces between the fibers and further impede light transmission through the lens. The previously clear lens now takes on a yellowish tint, known as [brunescense]. The yellowing of the lens continues and eventually starts to decrease vision. The yellowing of the lens makes it difficult to see the color blue. Interestingly enough, [elderly people with blue hair] think that they have died their hair silver. If they have a cataract, it makes it difficult to see blues, they add too much die to obtain what appears to them a silver color and the hair appears blue to people who do not have cataracts! There are two other ways cataracts can form. Steroid use is linked to cataract formation and trauma to the eye can cause a cataract to form. Smoking and high cholesterol have also been implicated in [Cataractogenesis]. There are [other medical conditions] and [medications that can cause cataracts] to form also. [Cataract surgery] is usually an option when vision has decreased to a level of 20/40 or worse. It is always in the patient's best interest to assess the right time for surgery for themselves. I tell my patients if decreased vision secondary to cataract is adversely affecting their quality of life, then it may be time to consider surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most advanced procedures in the world. In the hands of an experienced, capable surgeon, cataracts are also one of the most successful surgical procedures performed to date. The surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and in most cases, vision is improved within 1 week after surgery is performed.