Cataracts Specialist

How do cataracts develop?

Cataracts are caused by the proteins in the lenses of your eyes gradually breaking down as you age. You can get a cataract in just one eye or both. As the lens becomes cloudier, it becomes more difficult for light to pass through. This is why, after time, you’ll likely experience a decline in your vision

Cataracts usually start out small and spread across your lens over time. Because of this, you may not notice any symptoms for years. You may be at a higher risk of developing them if you have diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or other conditions.

How do I know if I have cataracts?

Cataracts have several common symptoms. If you have a cataract, you might notice that:

• Your vision is becoming blurrier
• You’re seeing double
• You have more trouble seeing in the dark than usual
• You see things with a yellow tint
• Bright colors look faded

In general, if your vision is declining or changing drastically, you should schedule an appointment with your provider to find out if your eyes are being affected by an eye condition.

What types of artificial lenses are available?

The most effective way to see clearly again is to have cataract surgery. During the surgery, your provider will remove your lens with either a small blade or with a laser. Then, he’ll replace it with an artificial intraocular lens. Some of the artificial intraocular lenses include:

Aspheric lenses

Aspheric lenses are shaped to match the natural curvature of your eye. Traditional artificial lenses are spherical, which isn’t necessarily a natural shape for your lens. Therefore, traditional lenses can result in some issues, such as poor night vision.

Popular brands of aspheric lenses include SoftPort AO®, Softec HD®, AcrySof IQ®, and Tecnis Aspheric®.

Toric lenses

Toric lenses come with different optical power and focal lengths. Because of this, they work well for correcting astigmatism.

Popular brands of toric lenses include Tecnis Toric®, Trulign Toric®, and AcrySof IQ Toric®.

Accommodating lenses

While traditional lenses are unifocal and require the aid of reading glasses, accommodating lenses are able to adjust and focus.

Popular brands of accommodating lenses include Crystalens AO® and Trulign Toric IOL®.

Multifocal lenses

Multifocal lenses have magnified areas in the lens, so you’ll be able to see up close just by moving your eye.

Popular brands include Tecnis Multifocal IOL® and AcrySof IQ ReSTOR®.

If you’re thinking about getting cataract surgery, your provider can help you determine which type of lens is the best for your vision needs. Call or schedule an appointment online at Ventura Eye Institute today.