Cataracts develop slowly over time. Often, cataract symptoms are not known until reading glasses and contacts begin to not work as well. Often patients that are diagnosed with cataracts only thought they needed new glasses.

A cataract can cause many visual problems. Among the most common problems are glare, poor night vision and blurry or cloudy vision. Often, double vision is also a symptom of a cataract, although all of these symptoms could also be other eye conditions. Only a licensed medical provider can determine if cataracts are the true cause of the poor vision.

Cataract Treatment

Often, surgery is the best treatment for cataracts. Once the loss of vision begins to cause problems for a patient, it is may be time to consider removing the cataract. With the consultation of a licensed medical provider, patients should consider the potential risks to cataract surgery before making their decision.

Cataract Surgery Risks

Common risks associated with cataract surgery include (but are not limited to): Retinal detachment, swelling, infection and inflammation. Each of these risks are increased if one has other eye damage or conditions. Along with these risks, there is also the risk of a secondary cataract.

Secondary Cataract

A secondary cataract is a clouding of the capsule, or outer shell, of the lens that is left after cataract surgery. Often, this capsule becomes cloudy and causes vision much like that experienced before the cataract surgery. This is also called capsular opacification.

Secondary Cataract Treatment

A secondary cataract is treated by using a laser to break up the opacification. This is often a very quick procedure and there are usually very little restrictions post surgery.