Cataracts

Cataracts are an unfortunate consequence of the normal aging process. Nearly 75% of all individuals between the ages of 65 and 75 will develop cataracts which will worsen with time.

Cataracts are a result of changes within the lens of the eye which cause the lens material to become cloudy and less optically transparent.

It is a very slow process during which colors will begin to fade to grey, and loss of crisp and clear vision will slowly begin to diminish. Both distance visual tasks like driving, and near fine detailed tasks like reading can become increasingly difficult.

The only treatment for cataracts is to surgically remove the clouded lens and replace it with a tiny artificial lens implant. Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries available with minimal complications. The optometric physicians at Lake Stevens Vision Clinic, Inc. can easily do all pre-operative and post-operative care.

Lens Implant Options

Standard single focus lens: This type of lens allows for good distance vision, but does not adjust focus for near vision.

Multifocal lens: These lenses allow the simultaneous focus of both distance and near objects at the same time.

Accommodating lenses: These adjusting lenses allow the focus to be changed from distance to near much like your own crystalline lens when it was younger and more flexible.

Three Bifocal IOL Options

Bifocal IOLs may be divided into 2 classes: accommodative IOLs, which move within the eye and, as a consequence of this movement, change power; and multifocal IOLs, which contain multiple zones that refract light differently, giving rise to 2 or more simultaneous images. At the present time, 1 accommodative IOL is available (Crystalens from Eyeonics, Inc.), and 2 multifocal IOLs are available (ReZoom from Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. and AcrySof ReSTOR from Alcon, Inc.).

For more information on the treatment of cataracts, visit the Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute website at PCLI.COM.

A problem with any one or a combination of these conditions can significantly reduce the quality of your vision, and the quality of your life.