Cataract FAQs
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or tinted.
What causes cataracts?
The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Other causes include: family history, medical problems such as diabetes; eye injury; medications such as steroids; and long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight. Cataracts are not caused by overusing the eyes.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Common symptoms include: a painless blurring of vision; glare or light sensitivity; frequent eyeglass prescription changes; double vision in one eye; needing brighter light to read; poor night vision; fading or yellowing of colors.
Is vision loss from cataracts permanent?
The majority of people do not have permanent vision loss because they still have functional nerve tissue in the retina. Once the cataract is removed, cloudiness and blurring is replaced by normal vision.
How are cataracts removed?
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States today. Patients typically arrive one hour before surgery and leave about one hour after the surgery. The procedure itself usually takes about 10 minutes under topical anesthesia, and requires no stitches. Recovery is quick with the majority of patients noticing a dramatic improvement of their vision often by the next day.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States today. Patients typically arrive one hour before surgery and leave about one hour after the surgery. The procedure itself usually takes about 10 minutes under topical anesthesia, and requires no stitches. Recovery is quick with the majority of patients noticing a dramatic improvement of their vision often by the next day.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
The surgery is covered by Medicare and most insurance carriers.
