While a comprehensive eye examination by an eye care practitioner can determine for certain if you have a cataract forming, there are a number of signs and symptoms which may indicate a cataract. Among them are: Blurred or hazy vision where colors may seem yellowed; The appearance of dark spots or shadows that seem to move when the eye moves; A tendency to become more nearsighted because of increasing density of the lens; Double vision; A gradual loss of color vision; A stage where it is easier to see without glasses; The feeling of having a film over the eyes; and
An increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night.

What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing light on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision. A cataract is not a film that grows over the surface of the eye.

Why are they called cataracts?
Sometimes cataracts can be seen as a milkiness on the normally black pupil. In ancient times, it was believed this cloudiness was caused by a waterfall - or cataract - behind the eye.

Who gets cataracts?
Cataracts are most often found in persons over the age of 55, but they are also occasionally found in younger people, including newborns.

What causes cataracts?
It is known that a chemical change within the eye causes the lens to become cloudy. The change may be due to advancing age or it may be the result of heredity, an injury or a disease.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet or infrared radiation present in sunlight or from furnaces, cigarette smoking and/or the use of certain medications are also cataract risk factors. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, often at different rates.

Can cataracts be prevented?
Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from forming.

Treatment for Cataracts Cataract surgery is indicated when the individual can no longer function properly. This usually means difficulty with reading and driving. We are very fortunate to have excellent cataract surgery at this time. Cataract surgery has been perfected over the years. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure at the Amarillo Cataract & Eye Surgery Center. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Cataract surgery is a microsurgical procedure. The majority of surgery is performed with phacoemulsification. This procedure removes the cataract by ultrasound. The cloudy lens (cataract) is replaced by an artificial lens. A foldable intraocular lens is used the majority of the time. This allows the procedure to be performed through a very small incision. No stitch is usually required. Most patients return to their normal activities the next day. Your individual physician will discuss further details with you. Rest assured that cataract surgery with implantation is a state-of-the-art procedure performed by the doctors of the Panhandle Eye Group. If you are experiencing the symptoms described above please call one of our offices to discuss any further questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.