A Cataract is a clouding of the Crystalline Lens of the eye that can cause a number of visual symptoms including blurring, dimming, changes in color perception and glare sensitivity. Cataracts frequently develop as people age and are best treated with Cataract Surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world, with over 1 million performed per year in the United States alone. In fact, it is estimated that by age 80 more than half of all Americans either have a Cataract or have Cataract Surgery.

There are two primary goals of Cataract Surgery.

1. The first goal is to remove the cloudy Crystalline Lens. The Crystalline Lens is actually an optical component of the eye that provides focusing power.
2. The second goal of Cataract Surgery is to replace the optical and focusing power that was provided by Crystalline Lens. This is accomplished by implanting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) to provide the correct amount of focusing power to allow you to see clearly.

If you wore glasses because you were nearsighted, farsighted or had astigmatism before you developed a Cataract, it is possible for the Cataract Surgeon to use a carefully calculated IOL power or special IOL that can correct astigmatism so that you may not need to wear eyeglasses to see at distance after your surgery. Today, it is even possible for Cataract Surgeons to select IOLs that can correct both distance and near vision so that you can decrease, or even eliminate, your dependence on bifocals and reading glasses after Cataract Surgery.

If you think you have a Cataract or have been told you have a Cataract, and would like to be less dependent on glasses, we will be happy to help you learn about your possibilities and options for vision correction. Please schedule a visit to Baltimore Washington Eye Center for an examination and consultation by phoning us at 800-495-3937.