Understanding Cataracts and Their Treatment

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our eyes are no exception. Cataracts, a common eye condition, can cloud our vision and hinder daily activities. Let’s delve into what cataracts are, their causes, and the available treatment options to restore clear vision.

“Cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts.”

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the iris and pupil. The lens plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, allowing us to see clear images. Over time, proteins in the lens may start to clump together, forming cloudy areas. These gradually grow larger, obstructing the passage of light. This clouding effect leads to blurred or distorted vision. It often takes time for cataracts to develop to the point where they significantly affect vision, making it harder to read, create detailed projects, drive, etc.

Causes of Cataracts:

Age is the primary factor contributing to cataract development. The natural aging process makes cataracts more likely to occur in individuals over the age of 60.

There are other factors that may increase the risk or accelerate their formation:

Genetics: A family history of cataracts may predispose an individual to develop them.
Diabetes: Those with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
Prolonged Sun Exposure: Excessive exposure to UV rays from sunlight may contribute to cataract formation.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
Eye Injuries or Inflammation: Previous eye injuries or inflammation may increase the likelihood of cataracts.
Certain Medications: Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can contribute to cataract development.

Treating Cataracts:

The good news is that cataracts are treatable. When cataracts impact daily life and vision, cataract surgery becomes the most viable option. During this procedure, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is safe, highly successful, and often an outpatient procedure.

“In the United States, about 4 million cataract surgery procedures are performed every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 28 million cataract surgeries are performed worldwide each year.”

This number is expected to increase in the coming years as the global population ages.

During cataract surgery, there are different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can be installed to replace the clouded natural lens. The choice of IOL depends on the patient’s vision needs, lifestyle, and any pre-existing eye conditions.

Here are some common types of IOLs used in cataract surgery:

Monofocal IOLs: These are the most common type of IOL. They have one focal point, which is usually set for distance vision. This means that you will need glasses or contact lenses for near vision after cataract surgery.

Multifocal IOLs: These IOLs have multiple focal points, which allows you to see well at both distance and near without glasses or contact lenses. Multifocal IOLs are a good option for people who want to be able to see well without glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.

Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs: These IOLs have a single focal point that is spread out over a wider range of distances, which allows you to see better at intermediate distances without glasses or contact lenses. EDOF IOLs are a good option for people who want to be able to see well at intermediate distances without glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.

Toric IOLs: These IOLs have a built-in correction for astigmatism. Astigmatism is a condition that causes blurred vision due to an irregular curvature of the cornea. Toric IOLs are a good option for people who have astigmatism and want to improve their vision after cataract surgery.

Accommodative IOLs: These IOLs mimic the natural ability of the eye to change focus. Accommodative IOLs are a good option for people who want to be able to see well at all distances.

It’s essential for patients to discuss their specific vision requirements and preferences with their ophthalmologist before cataract surgery. As an artist, it is particularly important for you to make sure you understand how your vision will be affected for the type of creative work you do. In turn, communication with your surgeon needs to be very clear.

Based on the type of creative work you do, the surgeon will recommend the most suitable intraocular lens to meet your desired outcome.

Where does CraftOptics fit in?

As you know, we install your prescription in the CraftOptics frames. Many of our customers who know they have early developing cataracts will have their current prescriptions installed in their frames so they can continue to do their creative endeavors until their surgery is scheduled, which can often be many months or even a year away. After cataract surgery, they send their CraftOptics back to us and we install their post surgery correction in the frames. For many, it is simply installing a reading correction and for others with multifocal IOLs, just clear lenses. If you have any questions about how all of this works, please give us a call at 888 444 7728.