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When cataracts develop, images progressively become duller and hazier. Colors fade and vision slowly dims. These effects have real consequences for the quality of life and safety of individuals whose cataracts have become advanced.

Although the effects are the same, the types of cataracts that precipitate this visual decline vary. Here, experienced Toronto ophthalmologist Dr. Raymond Stein of Bochner Eye Institute reviews the fundamental causes and effects.

Classifying Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens becomes cloudy, obscuring the image it projects on the retina. This process can begin in our 60s, and becomes more common with each passing year.

The most common type of cataract follows this age-related pattern, and is referred to as a nuclear sclerotic cataract. With this variety of cataract, the central part of the lens (nucleus) hardens and gradually becomes yellow or brown. Cortical cataracts, by contrast, form around the edges of the lens nucleus. When the clouding begins at the back of the lens, the result is a posterior capsular cataract.

Congenital cataracts are less common, and are usually detected during a child’s first year. Medications or diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes can cause a type of cataracts referred to as secondary cataracts. Injury to the eye sometimes results in traumatic cataracts, which may appear years after the initial impact or injury. Radiation cataracts can develop in cancer patients who are receiving radiation treatment.

A Proven Solution

In each case, the solution is the same: cataract surgery, a simple, convenient and routine procedure. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed each year. In this procedure, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a lens implant that will remain clear for life. Originally performed with the use of a miniature blade, cataract removal is now done using a femtosecond laser to make incisions.

As a premier eye surgeon, Dr. Stein performs advanced cataract surgical procedures for patients in Toronto and throughout Ontario. He also offers state-of-the-art intraocular lenses that will replace your natural lens with a permanent, resilient artificial version that, depending on your choice, can give you superb vision at a variety of distances.

To learn more about cataracts, please call or email Bochner Eye Institute today.

Cataracts are a nearly unavoidable part of getting older. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that occurs when the proteins that make up the lens clump together. In the early stages of a cataract, it may have little effect on vision. But as a cataract progresses, the visual effects will become nearly impossible to ignore.

Read on as Dr. Raymond Stein of Bochner Eye Institute explains what life is like with cataracts.

Declining Ability To Read Small Text

Cataracts cause blurry or cloudy vision, which makes it hard to see fine details. In the early stages of a cataract, a person may notice he or she needs brighter light to read a newspaper or magazine. But as the cataract gets bigger, it may be challenging to read small text no matter how bright the room is. A decline in the ability to read fine print can impact many basic tasks, such as checking the time, reading an expiration date, typing out a text or using a computer.

Difficulty Driving at Night

A decline in night vision is common with cataracts. Glare, halos and starbursts around lights can interfere with reading road signs or noticing other cars or pedestrians. In fact, some people with cataracts opt not to drive at night at all because of concerns about safety.

Colors Appear Dull or Faded

Cataracts can cause colors to appear dull, faded or yellowish. This may make getting dressed or discerning between ripe or rotten produce tough.

Frequent Changes in Vision Prescription

When the effects of cataracts first become apparent, a person may assume he or she needs stronger glasses. But after repeated prescription changes in a relatively short amount of time, it may become apparent that cataracts — not the glasses — are the problem.

Inability To Enjoy Hobbies or Exercise

Because of blurry vision, dull or faded colors and other effects of cataracts, some people lose their ability to enjoy hobbies and exercise. Cooking, baking, golfing or even taking a leisurely walk outside is less pleasurable when faced with the symptoms of cataracts. Hobbies like sewing, photography and fishing can actually become more of a burden than a joy with diminished vision.

Improve Vision With Cataract Surgery

Are cataracts interfering with your ability to live an active, independent lifestyle? Cataract surgery can help. The procedure is extremely safe and routine, with a high success rate. Your eyes will be completely numbed and you will receive additional medication to help you relax during the procedure. Your clouded lens will be removed and replaced with an artificial lens to restore clear vision and even improve upon the vision you had before cataracts. Thanks to cataract surgery, you can look forward to reading, driving, exercising and enjoying your favorite hobbies again, without relying on loved ones for help.

To speak with Dr. Stein and the team at Bochner Eye Institute about cataract surgery, please contact us today.

A common question that Dr. Raymond Stein of Bochner Eye Institute receives from cataract surgery patients is whether cataracts can “grow back” after surgery. Cataracts cannot, in fact, grow back after surgery. Once they are removed, they are gone for good.

However, in rare cases, patients who have their vision restored with cataract surgery may notice a regression in their eyesight that is similar to what they experienced with cataracts. This decline is due to a condition known as secondary cataracts; and luckily, it is easily treated. (more…)