There are surprisingly quite a few types of cataracts but there are two major types that affect a large amount of the population. Currently cataracts are the leading cause for loss of vision in the US despite its 90% success rate for treatment.

Cataracts occur when the internal lens of the eye begins to cloud. Often cataracts are a slow progressive condition and it is generally not treated upon diagnoses, doctors like to watch this sort of condition and decide when to perform surgery depending on the speed of condition itself. Once the clouded lens has caused an impairment of the vision, the clouded lens can be removed and often a new clear artificial lens, Intra Ocular Lens, can be inserted to help improve vision. Some of these Intra Ocular Lens can help provide both distance and near vision and some even correct for astigmatism.

Below is a description of the types of cataracts & how they are treated.

Congenital Cataracts:

Congenital Cataracts is an early childhood condition and is usually diagnosed within the first 10 years of the patient’s life. This form of cataract in hereditary and is some cases the cataract can be caused by viral infections during pregnancy. In this case it will be treated immediately and will give the best chances of visual recovery. Typical the clouded lens is removed and at some later point in life a new lens can be replaced inside the eye to reduce the need for very high glasses or contact lens prescription.

Age Related Cataracts:

This form of cataracts is the most common. It calls for over 90% of diagnoses. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in your prognosis of this condition. And generally it won’t affect your everyday life in the early years. When and if you need surgery your health care professional will inform you. Below are some other treatment options for these types of cataracts.

Some treatments for cataracts are:

New Glasses or Change in prescriptions

Cataract Surgery with Intra Ocular Lens

Dr Brian Boxer Wachler is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in the treatment of cataracts, and other procedures. More helpful information is available at www.BoxerWachler.com

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which causes blurred vision. For elderly patients, cataracts are incredibly common. In fact, by the time Americans reach the age of 70, more than 50% either have a cataract or cataracts, or have already had at least one cataract surgery.

The two primary types of cataract surgeries:

1. Phacoemulsification (or simply phaco) is a cataract surgery technique in which a small entry point is made to one side of a patient’s cornea. A tiny probe is inserted into sub-corneal regions through the small entry point. The probe gives off ultrasonic waves that actually break up the clouded part of the lens enabling removal by suction. Phaco is the most opted for cataract alleviating surgical technique.
2. Extracapsular cataract surgery involves a long incision on the cornea. The clouded core of the affected lens is removed in one piece, without breaking it up with ultrasonic waves. Since there is a long incision on the cornea the patient recovery can be longer and the patient is advised to be careful not to bump or rub the eye for several months.

What happens after the cataract is removed?

Once the natural lens has been taken away, in most cases it is replaced with a synthetic lens called an IOL, or intraocular lens. IOLs require no maintenance and actually become fully integrated with the natural eye. The IOL focuses incoming light rays clearly and projects them onto the retina. Vision is improved and the IOL cannot be seen or felt. Deluxe or Premium IOLs can correct distance, near and intermediate vision. Toric IOLs can correct astigmatism.

What are the risks associated with cataract surgeries?

All surgical techniques involve risks. Even the most noninvasive surgery still involves the manipulation of bodily tissues, a process given to inherit levels of risk. Although cataract surgeries are performed hundreds of thousands of times every year in America alone, and are generally considered to be very safe, the following risks may still be encountered postoperatively:

• Infection;
• Bleeding;
• Reaction to certain prescribed medications;
• Slightly increased risk of retinal detachment;
• Vision flashes and “floaters”
• More…

There’s generally very little or no pain associated with cataract surgeries. Complications are few and success rates are very high. Remember that cataracts that do not receive prompt and effective medical intervention can lead to total loss of sight. Still, when entering into any surgical situation, you need to exercise caution and make sure that you have all of your questions answered thoroughly before the procedure. Talk to an experienced cataract surgeon today in order to make sure that cataract surgery is right for you.

Learn more about Deluxe Cataract surgery:
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