Cataracts cause a clouding of the lens in the eye, making your vision appear to be foggy. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and are the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Your eyes are meant to naturally adjust to normal light changes, adjust focus, and allow us to see both near and far. Your lens is primarily made up of water and proteins. The proper arrangement of these proteins is what contributes to normal vision. Some of these proteins clump together forming a clouding of the lens. During the initial stages, cataracts start small and have little to no effect on your vision. As the cataract progresses, the lens becomes more opaque and objects appear blurry, hazy or faded in color. During your appointment, we will discuss the various treatment options available.

For more information on cataracts or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (718) 429-2470!

Click here to read more about Cataract Removal Surgery

 

What are Cataracts?

Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens. The lens bends light rays that come into the eye to help us see. A cataract means that your lens has become cloudy. It is like looking through a foggy windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract.

The most common cause for cataracts is aging. Proteins in the lens can start to break down after age 40. This is what causes the lens to get cloudy. People over age 60 usually have some clouding of their lenses. However, vision problems may not happen until years later. Here are early warning signs of cataracts:

  • Having blurry or cloudy vision
  • Seeing double, or a ghosted image out of the eye with cataract
  • Sensitivity to light, especially with oncoming headlights at night
  • Trouble seeing well at night or in low light
  • Seeing bright colors as faded or with a yellowish tint

Other risk factors include:

  • having a family member with cataracts
  • having certain medical problems, x. diabetes
  • having had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body
  • having spent a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays
  • certain medications may cause early formation of cataracts, x. corticosteroids

Dr. Patel stresses the importance of yearly checkups to catch a cataract early.

During your visit, she will perform a comprehensive eye examination and test your eyes to make a cataract diagnosis. This examination will include dilation and a slit lamp examination, pictured below.

 

The purpose of the dilation is to widen your pupils and make it easier for Dr. Patel to perform her exam. She will examine your cornea, iris, lens and the other areas at the front of the eye. The special slit-lamp microscope makes it easier to spot abnormalities.

If Dr. Patel finds a cataract your next steps should be:

  • Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your cataract(s)
  • Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that block at least 99 percent UV and a hat.
  • If you smoke, Smoking is a major risk factor for cataracts.
  • Use brighter lights or a magnifying glass for reading and other activities.
  • Limit driving at night if vision, halos or glare become problems.
  • Take care of any preexisting health conditions, especially diabetes.
  • Get the right eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.

Finally, if your cataracts make it difficult for you to complete daily activities, Dr. Patel will discuss cataract surgery with you. This includes a talk about

  • Lens replacement options
  • Benefits and possible complications of cataract surgery
  • Preparation for and recovery after surgery
  • Any other questions you have

How does cataract surgery work?

Cataract surgery means that Dr. Patel will remove the cloudy lens from your eye(s) and replace it with an artificial lens. If Dr. Patel decides you are a candidate for cataract surgery and you want to go ahead with the surgery, the next step is choosing from our multiple lens options.

 

Option 1

This is our standard lens implant and has no refractive correction. This means that after the surgery you will need glasses for reading and most likely for distance. This is our only option that is covered by insurance.

 

Option 2a and 2b

This is our EYEHANCE lens option, which has correction for only distance and astigmatism. Choosing either of these options means you will need glasses for near and intermediate distances after the surgery. You have the option of either the manual option, 2a, or the laser assisted option, 2b. The benefit of the laser assisted option is that it is 100% accurate and has a much lower risk of complications. However, even with the manual, Dr. Patel has had strong patient outcomes throughout her many years of practice. The prices for these options are $550 per eye for option 2a and $1,500 per eye for option 2b.

 

Option 2c and 2d

This is our TORIC lens option, which has correction for only distance and astigmatism. The difference between the TORIC and EYEHANCE lens option is that the TORIC lens is implanted with your personal prescription, providing a better distance correction. Again, you have either the manual option, 2c, or the laser assisted option, 2d. The prices for these options are $1,500 per eye for option 2c and $2,500 per eye for option 2d.

 

Option 3a and 3b

This is our multifocal lens option, which corrects for all types of vision. Choosing either of these options means you will not need glasses after the surgery. You have the option of either the manual option, 3a, or the laser assisted option, 3b. The prices for these options are $2,500 per eye for option 2c and $3,500 per eye for option 2d.

Our office prides itself on being innovative with constant improvements in technology. This allows us to provide you with the latest lens implant technology earlier than the national average. We are always seeking ways to enhance our skills and knowledge to provide you with the best possible care.