WHAT IS A CATARACT?

There are many misconceptions about cataracts.  It is not a film over the eye.  It is not caused by straining the eye, and is not spread from one eye to the other.  When the natural lens of the eye turns from clear to cloudy, it is called a cataract.  Because light cannot readily pass through the clouded lens, vision is impaired.  This is most commonly related to the aging of the eye, but other contributing factors can be: heredity, diabetes and other medical conditions, eye injuries or surgery, medication, or long term UV light exposure.  A person with cataracts may experience blurring of vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, poor night vision, fading of colors, or the need for frequent prescription changes in their glasses.

Scene with normal vision

Scene blurred by cataracts

HOW ARE CATARACTS TREATED?

The only way an ophthalmologist can treat cataracts is to surgically remove them. Cataract surgery should be performed when the vision impairment has progressed to the point that it interferes with normal daily activities.

CATARACT SURGERY

Only an Eye M.D. has the training to remove cataracts.  Dr. Ranz takes special interest in the treatment of cataracts.  In addition to being a Board Certified Ophthalmologist with over 13 years of surgical experience, he spends considerable time going to meetings each year to stay current with the latest developments in cataract microsurgery.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, performed under topical anesthesia.  It is usually performed without the use of stitches! The incision, as small as 1/8 inch, is made at an angle, allowing it to seal on its own.  The cloudy lens is removed by ultrasound waves and suction in a procedure called phacoemulsification.  An artificial lens is then implanted in place of the original lens.  This is called the “implant”.    Dr. Ranz uses the latest technology in intraocular lenses, including specialty lenses to correct astigmatism and bifocal implants.  This ensures that patients will achieve their best possible vision after cataract surgery.  Over 2 million people have cataract surgery each year in the USA, making it an “everyday miracle”.