Cataract Treatment and Surgery in Both Midland and Odessa Texas

What is a Cataract?

With a clear normal lens, the images are focused clearly on the retina (LEFT IMAGE). Vision is clear. With a cataract, the lens is cloudy, causing the image to become blurred and yellowed (RIGHT IMAGE). Vision is hazy and colors become faded.

What Causes Cataracts?

A cataract is caused by a change in the chemical composition of the lens. The most common cause for this change is the natural aging process. As we mature, the normally flexible, clear material of the lens becomes hard and cloudy. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the development of cataracts. Everyone who lives long enough will eventually develop the problem.

Although most commonly seen in adults after the age of 40, cataracts can occur at any age. The condition may be present at birth or caused by an injury to the eye. Infections and other eye diseases, such as glaucoma and eye tumors, may cause the development of a cataract. Vision loss is usually gradual as a cataract develops.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

• Dimming or blurring of vision
• Halos or glare around lights
• Double vision
• Colors appear less brilliant
• Feeling of "film" over the eyes
• Frequent changing or cleaning of glasses
• Difficulty driving or reading

Treatment and The Surgery

1. A very small "No Stitch" incision is made in the side of the cornea. Such an incision promotes fast and more comfortable recovery.
   
   
2. The back of the lens is opened and a special ultrasonic probe (phacoemulsifier) removes the cloudy lens.
   
   
3. A small foldable artificial lens (also CrystaLens, and Toric lens) is inserted through the small incision to replace the cataract lens.
   
   
4. The final replacement lens is put in place. It is not required to suture the small "No Stitch" incision.