Cataracts – Cataract Treatments Including Intraocular Lenses in Arizona
The eye transforms light waves into recognizable images by focusing it through the cornea on the surface of the eye, then through the crystalline lens behind the iris. As you age, the eye's lens may become cloudy due to protein breakdown. This condition, called a cataract, causes cloudy, blurry vision. Fortunately, cataracts are easily treated. Continue reading to learn more about cataracts and cataract treatments, including intraocular lenses available at the Arizona locations of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center.
To understand more about Cataracts click below to view our informative 3D-Eye Online video!
What is a Cataract?
The eye's natural lens is made up of water and protein compounds. As the eye ages, these proteins cluster together and cause the lens to appear cloudy. The location and progression of cataracts depend on their cause; our Arizona doctors can diagnose cataracts during an examination and classify them as one of the following types:
- Nuclear cataract – These cataracts are caused by the body's aging process and are very common in patients over the age of 40. Its name refers to the cataract's point of origin in the nucleus, or center, of the eye's lens.
- Cortical cataract – Originating in the outer layer, or cortex, of the lens, these types of cataracts are often caused by diabetes.
- Subcapsular cataract – These cataracts begin on the back surface of the lens and may be caused by a number of conditions including retinitis pigmentosa, extreme hyperopia (farsightedness), or the presence of high steroid levels.
The three different types of cataracts cause varying symptoms and rates of progression. If you think you may be developing a cataract and would like to learn about treatments, contact our Arizona practice to schedule an examination with a doctor.
Cataract Effects and Symptoms
The most common noticeable effect of a cataract is that your vision will become blurry, hazy, or cloudy. This symptom may affect only a small portion of your field of vision at first, but will likely spread to the rest of your lens over time. Other symptoms of cataract growth include a dulling of normally bright colors; increased glare or halos from headlights, the sun, and other light sources; and overall poor night vision.
It is important to remember that these symptoms may signal the onset of other eye problems, not just of cataracts. Visit one of our many Arizona locations to have one of our doctors determine the source of your vision problems; an accurate diagnosis is the first step in successful treatment.
Cataract Treatments
In the early growth stages of a cataract, treatments for our Arizona patients often include simple lifestyle changes such as increased use of brighter lighting, magnifying glasses, or stronger eyeglass prescriptions. If the cataract has progressed to the point that these remedies no longer work, surgery to replace the lens may be necessary.
Cataract surgery using intraocular lenses is the most common eye surgery performed in Arizona as well as nationwide. As a result, the procedure has long been very safe and extremely effective. Intraocular lenses are clear artificial lenses that replace the eye's cloudy natural lens. In many cases, these lenses can be custom-made to include a vision prescription so that patients can reduce their use of eyeglasses after surgery. Read more about cataract treatments and intraocular lenses offered at our Arizona practice.
Contact Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center
If you believe that you may be developing cataracts, or if you'd like to learn about modern cataract treatments including intraocular lenses, contact one of the Arizona locations of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center. During your examination and consultation, you'll find out about the most recent cataract treatment innovations as well as whether you are at risk for developing cataracts.
To learn more about cataracts, including cataract treatments such as intraocular lenses, contact our Arizona practice.
