Enjoy a world of better vision.
Start with a cataract evaluation.
All About Cataract Care
Our doctors and staff will discuss with you the details of cataract surgery, and will always be available to answer any questions or concerns.
Your eyes and quality of vision is important to us.
What are cataracts?
Many patients think that a cataract is actually a film that spreads over the surface of the eye. Some patients are even concerned that cataracts will make them go blind. In reality a cataract is a natural occurring change in the eye that is a gradual clouding that makes vision less sharp over time. Patients typically report the sensation of looking through wax paper, they often have trouble driving at night and colors seems very dull. The eye works much like a camera, and like a camera the lens must be very clear to see well. A healthy transparent lens absorbs light and accurately focuses it onto the retina, providing a crisp clear image. As the aging process takes hold of our eyes proteins begin to clump together forming opaque clusters. Over time these protein deposits eventually cloud the entire lens allowing significantly less less to pass through. The small amount of light that does make it through is diffused or scattered leaving vision defocused. These protein clusters can also change the color of the normal clear lens making it a yellowish brown color.
What causes a cataract?
The vast majority of cataracts result from normal aging, but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes and eye trauma can accelerate their development. Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition and the leading cause of preventable blindness.
100% of people will develop cataracts in their lifetime.
Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. In fact, cataracts are so common it is said that everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough.
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens that interferes with light passing through to the retina. Sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall, or a piece of wax paper with a gradual blurring or dimming of vision. Reading may become more difficult and driving a car can actually become dangerous. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by a bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. And as the cataract becomes worse, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions may become necessary. Currently, there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
Blurry vision
You may notice that objects appear blurry, or hazy. You may have difficulty focusing on objects. This may persist even with glasses or contact lenses. Colors may also appear more washed out, and you may have more difficulty seeing fine detail.
Difficulty reading
When you have cataracts, you may be noticing that you need more light to read. You may also have trouble reading fine print, even with reading glasses. This can be especially difficult in a dimly lit environment.
Glare and Haloes at night
Patients with cataracts may notice some glare, starburst effects around lights, and have difficulty seeing at nighttime. Many patients with cataracts have stopped driving at nighttime, and don't go out as often at nighttime. Car headlights may be particularly bothersome.
How are Cataracts treated?
With the state-of-the-art technology, we offer you the cataract treatment you need. Our team of professional cataract surgeons will make a customized treatment plan that matches your specific needs. We offer laser cataract surgery as well as premium intraocular lenses to make sure you have the best possible outcome. Think cataract surgery is the right choice for you? Our team of cataract surgeons has been serving the greater White Plains and Manhattan area since 1995!
Further Reading at the American Academy of Ophthalmology
An eye exam is the best way to screen for, and evaluate any eye conditions affecting your health, comfort, and quality of vision.