CataractSurgery.com

Complete Facts, Stats, & FAQ

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. A cataract cannot be removed "from" your lens. Rather, the lens itself must be replaced with an artificial intraocular lens or IOL.

There are many types of cataracts, but the majority of people develop nuclear cataracts, which are a natural result of the aging process.

Although the symptoms of early-stage cataracts may be treated in a variety of ways, surgery is the only way to treat a cataract.

Cataract surgery is a routine procedure where the eye's clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial (intraocular) lens.

There is no perfect time to undergo cataract surgery. The right time to have the procedure depends upon you. Your doctor will help you decide when the benefits of cataract surgery outweigh the risks.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and more common surgeries performed in the U.S. each year.

Most cataract surgeries take about 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients experience no pain or discomfort.

Most complications from cataract surgery are very rare if you are in good health and have no serious additional eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. The most likely complication, a secondary cataract, can develop anywhere from two to four months after surgery and occurs when the membrane holding the new lens develops a cloudiness and thus blurs your vision. If you develop a secondary cataract, your doctor will perform a painless outpatient procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy.

Cataract Statistics

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults age 55 and older and the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Acquired cataracts account for over 99 percent of all cataracts. Congenital (from birth) cataracts account for less than 1 percent.

More than 3 million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year.

About 95 percent of people who get standard intraocular lenses experience full restoration of their vision to its pre-cataract state.

Cataract surgery has an overall success rate of 97 percent or greater.

About 95 percent of people who get standard intraocular lenses experience full restoration of their vision to its pre-cataract state.

Learn About Cataracts

What is a cataract?

Contrary to popular belief, a cataract is not a "film" over the eye. Rather it is a gradual thickening of the lens that causes the lens to become so clouded that light is either distorted or cannot reach the back of the eye (the retina) for transmission to the brain.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Blurry or dim vision, colors appearing faded, poor night vision, halos appearing around lights, and sensitivity to bright lights can all be symptoms of a cataract.

Age-related cataracts develop very slowly and painlessly. In fact, you may not even realize that your vision is changing until you find yourself going to the eye doctor seeking a change in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

What causes cataracts?

Many things can cause a cataract to form, the most common being the natural aging process. As the lens of your eye ages, it gradually thickens and yellows, eventually becoming so cloudy that you are said to have a "cataract."

Other diseases, like diabetes and glaucoma, can increase the chances that a person will develop cataracts. Eye injuries and chronic use of corticosteroids can cause cataracts as well.

How does a cataract form?

The lens of the eye can change in multiple ways, all resulting in the condition called a cataract. In general, there are two ways a cataract can form-at the nucleus, or center, of the lens, or at the cortex, or shell, of the lens.

Are there different types of cataracts?

Yes, there are several types of cataracts. The different types are defined by which part of the lens they affect. Nuclear cataracts are the most common and usually form as a natural part of the aging process as cells from the lens deposit in the nucleus of the lens. Cortical cataracts are also fairly common and form when the shell, or cortex, of the lens becomes hard.

Is there anything I could have done, or do, to prevent cataracts from forming?

No. Since developing cataracts is a natural part of the aging process, it is highly unlikely that you can prevent their development. There are things you can do to slow down their development, however:

Wear sunglasses. Look for a label from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that says that the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays.
Eat a diet rich in anti-oxidants.

Why do my cataract symptoms differ from someone else's?

There are multiple types of cataracts, and even within the same type, there are a range of symptoms a person can experience.

Is developing a cataract an inevitable part of aging?

Yes. If you live long enough, you will likely develop cataracts.

Do certain diseases or conditions make a person more likely to develop cataracts?

Yes. Diabetes and glaucoma both predispose a person to developing cataracts.

Can cataracts increase the chances that I will develop another eye condition?

Because a cataract affects the part of the eye that is responsible for refracting light, it will sometimes cause a refraction error such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. And rarely, if left to mature, a cataract can eventually become so large that it causes a type of glaucoma.

Is presbyopia related to cataracts?

No. As the natural lens of the eye ages, it often hardens and is less able to flex and focus light. This hardening is often accompanied by a loss of flexibility in the surrounding muscles. This hardening and loss of flexibility is commonly called presbyopia. Because presbyopia is a function of aging, many people with cataracts also have presbyopia.

In recent years, multifocal intraocular lenses have been developed to correct both cataracts and presbyopia simultaneously.

Can cataracts spread from one eye to the other?

No. However, a person can develop cataracts in both eyes.

Can I go blind from cataracts?

Yes. When left untreated, cataracts may eventually cause blindness.

What does it mean when someone says a cataract is "ripe?"

This is a colloquial way of saying that the cataract affects vision enough that the benefits of removing it outweigh the risks.

Understand Cataract Treatment Options

When is the best time to treat cataracts?

Many people believe cataracts have to be "ripe" (in a highly advanced stage) before they can be removed. This is no longer true. Today, cataract surgery is a routine procedure that can be typically performed as soon as you and your physician feel your vision interferes with the quality of your life.

What happens if cataracts go untreated?

Over time, the clouded area of your lens can become larger and thicker, causing your sight to become worse. This could take anywhere from a few months to many years. Eventually, your entire lens can cloud and cause blindness.

How do I know which lens implant is right for me?

No single lens works best for everyone, and only your ophthalmologist can determine the most appropriate option for you. Multifocal lenses can offer less dependence on glasses and lead to a greater quality of life. Overall, patients who chose a multifocal lens over a standard monofocal lens have expressed greater satisfaction with their choice.

Who performs cataract surgery?

Only ophthalmologists who have special training in eye surgery can perform cataract procedures.

How successful is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery has an overall success rate of 98 percent or greater. Continuous innovations in techniques and instruments make the procedure safer than ever.

Can cataracts come back?

Once a cataract has been removed, it cannot return. However, over time, patients may complain that their vision has once again become cloudy. This condition is known as a secondary cataract. It can be treated by a simple laser procedure performed in your doctor's office.

Seek Treatment for Cataracts

Will I be asleep during cataract surgery?

Since this procedure does not take very long, it is unnecessary to put you completely asleep with general anesthesia. Instead, your surgeon will use a local/topical anesthetic drop to numb your eye and you will remain awake during the surgery.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

Thanks to numbing drops and medications to help you relax, this procedure involves minimal discomfort. Also, recovery time is very short.

Who performs the procedure, a surgeon or a technician?

Only ophthalmologists who have special training in eye surgery can perform cataract procedures. There will be a technician and nurse in the room to assist the ophthalmologist.

How long will the surgery last?

Most surgeries last between 15 and 30 minutes. Duration may depend on the type of procedure being performed.

I have cataracts in both eyes. Will the doctor treat both at the same time?

Typically, doctors will perform surgery in the second eye two or three weeks after the first eye. All patients are different, so talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

How long will I be in the hospital?

Cataract surgery is routinely an out-patient procedure. Patients commonly spend only a few hours at the hospital or surgery center, and are allowed to go home the very same day.

How long before I can see after surgery?

Every patient and every eye is different, but some people see well almost immediately following surgery. Patients commonly see well enough to drive the day after surgery. Ask your doctor how quickly he or she expects you to recover.

Life After Cataracts

How will I feel after cataract surgery?

Immediately after surgery, you might feel a little groggy due to the local anesthesia.

Can I drive myself home after cataract surgery?

No. You will need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home. If this is not possible, ask your doctor to help you make arrangements.

What will happen immediately following the surgery?

Your doctor may place a protective patch and/or dark glasses over your eye then take you into the outpatient recovery area. After a brief period of observation, your doctor or someone on your doctor's staff will discuss how to care for your eye at home and provide you with medication prescriptions, if they haven't already. Your follow up visit will be scheduled, usually for within 24 hours, and then you will be allowed to go home, but someone else must drive you.

What will I experience on the first few days after surgery?

Your eye may be sensitive to the touch and maybe even a little scratchy for a few days. You will need to administer your eye drops on the schedule provided by your doctor and return for your scheduled follow-up examination to ensure the best possible outcomes from the surgery. Your doctor will most likely advise you that it is okay to resume your normal daily activities such as reading, writing, watching TV, and walking, if you feel up to it. You doctor will also probably advise that you wear your protective eye covering while you sleep.

Are there any activities I should avoid immediately after and in the first week after surgery?

It is important that you avoid rubbing your eye or getting anything in your eye, even water, which could increase the chance of infection. You should not wear eye make-up until your doctor tells you that it is okay, and you should avoid sleeping on the side of the eye that has been operated on.

You should also avoid any kind of straining or activities that could increase the pressure on your eye, including bending over and lifting heavy objects.

What about dry eyes?

Implant surgery typically has minimal influence on dry eyes, however your physician may choose to administer some mild dry eye therapy (eye drops) to ensure you are as comfortable as possible and your vision is as good as possible.

Will I have any unusual vision phenomena after surgery?

Occasionally in your early healing phase, you will see some glare and halos (blurry or hazy vision) around lights at night. This is a normal response to eye surgery of this type and will generally reduce with time.

When will I need to have my eyes checked after surgery?

Your doctor will advise you based on your procedure. Typically, the doctor will see you one day after surgery, after 2 to 4 weeks and again around 3-6 months after surgery. Thereafter, an annual exam is typical.

After surgery, will I need glasses?

If your doctor has implanted a monofocal intraocular lens you may need glasses. A monofocal IOL only has one focus point, and it allows you to focus on objects in the distance.

If your doctor has implanted a multifocal IOL, there is a significant chance that you may not need glasses. For example, around 80 percent of people in the FDA trial for a specific type of multifocal IOL, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens, never wore reading glasses or bifocals again. However, there is a small chance that you will need glasses for some tasks through the healing or adaptation period. There is a much greater chance that you may only need time to adapt.

If your doctor has implanted a toric IOL, such as the AcrySof® Toric lens, which is designed to reduce or correct your astigmatism, whether you will need glasses or not depends on whether you were also nearsighted, farsighted, or presbyopic prior to receiving the implant. If you wore glasses before simply to correct your astigmatism, then you might not need glasses after surgery. If you wore glasses to read prior to surgery you will still need them post cataract surgery.

If there anything I can do to speed up my recovery?

While cataract surgery is the most performed and successful surgery worldwide, it is still surgery and you will need some time to recover. Since clear vision depends on both the eye and the brain working together, the best thing you can do to insure a speedy recovery is to resume your normal activities as soon as your doctor recommends that you do so. Do the things you do everyday-read, watch television, work on crafts or use the computer. Drive and engage in physical activities. Perform a range of activities that require a full range of vision. And be patient-your new IOL is a tool that your body has to learn how to use.

When will I be able to return to my normal activities?

You should be able to return to normal activities within several days and be able to drive and return to work within 2-5 days if you are comfortable with your vision. Remember, however, to always follow the advice of your doctor.

Is this a quick fix like LASIK? Will I be able to see great on the next day after surgery?

While cataract surgery itself is very quick, your vision may not be its optimal state immediately after the surgery. Many patients do experience a big improvement to their vision right after the surgery, but your vision may not reach its optimal state until 2-4 months afterwards.

How long will it take for me to adapt? When can I expect that my vision will be as good as it's going to get?

You will be adapting over the next 2-4 months and may achieve your best vision at that time.

Can I develop astigmatism as a complication of cataract surgery?

Yes. However, only a small percentage of people who have cataract surgery actually develop an astigmatism as a result of the surgery. If you do develop astigmatism, it may be necessary to refine your vision. Treatment options such as a limbus relaxing incision (LRI) or an excimer laser treatment (LASIK) may be used. This will make your healing time a little longer than normal, but you should be able to enjoy the same good result.

I've had cataract surgery on one eye, and my doctor recommends that I have it on the other. Should I do this?

Yes. Even though you may not feel that you have adjusted fully since the first surgery, it is important to remember that optimal vision is dependent upon both eyes working as well as possible together.

Can a cataract come back?

No. Because removing a cataract involves replacing your natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens, you can never "grow" another cataract on the artificial lens. However, you may develop something called a "secondary cataract," which is simply a clouding of the membrane that holds the intraocular lens. This situation is typically treated with a common, painless procedure using a YAG laser.

What is a YAG laser?

YAG stands for yttrium-aluminum-garnet. A YAG laser is the type of laser used to perform YAG laser capsulotomies, which are necessary when a secondary cataract has developed post surgery.

What is the success rate for cataract surgery?

The success rate for cataract surgery is greater than 98 percent, with success defined as people restored to their everyday activities with significantly improved vision.

Will I be able to go through metal detectors without setting them off?

Yes. IOLs are not made of metal and will not set off a metal detector. They are actually made of plastic, silicone or acrylic.

Will I be able to have an MRI?

Yes. IOLs are not made of metal and will not cause MRI complications. They are actually made of plastic, silicone or acrylic.

What is the lifespan of an IOL? Can an IOL ever "go bad?"

IOLs are made of durable materials and implant patients can expect their lenses to last throughout their lifetime.

Complete Facts, Stats, & FAQ

Cataract Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn About Cataracts

Understand Cataract Treatment Options

Seek Treatment for Cataracts

Life After Cataracts

Learn About Cataracts

Understand Cataract Treatment Options

Seek Treatment for Cataracts

Life After Cataracts

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