According to the National Eye Institute, over half of all Americans will develop one or more cataracts by the age of 80. Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye problems, commonly occurring in older adults and seniors. However, cataracts can technically develop at any age. You can develop a cataract in one or both eyes, and treatment will depend on the severity and whether they are affecting your vision and quality of life. Dr. Christopher Coad MD, FACS, at Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology in New York, NY offers a number of treatment options, including cataract surgery, to help you see the world with clarity.
Cataract Surgery and Treatment in New York
Christopher T. Coad, MD, FACS is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology. As a leader in laser and cataract procedures, Dr. Coad is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). He has performed thousands of cataract and premium IOL procedures with a high success rate. Dr. Coad has been featured on TV, radio and in the press for his outstanding work and has been recognized by his peers as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and a New York Super Doctor.
What are cataracts?
Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens. This lens bends (refracts) the light rays that come into the eye which helps us to see the world. The lens should be clear, but a cataract is when the lens in one or both eyes becomes cloudy.
There are a few different types of cataracts, and while they can range in severity, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss and blindness around the world. Cataracts commonly start developing in adults over the age of 40. Once the lens has become cloudy, it can seem like you are looking through a dusty or foggy window. The world will then start to appear blurry or hazy.
Types of cataracts:
- Subcapsular cataract (develops on the back of the lens)
- Cortical cataract (develops on the periphery of the lens and move towards the center)
- Nuclear cataract (develops in the center of the lens in the nucleus)
Cataract Symptoms
In the early stages of cataract formation, you may not be aware that you have cataracts because they are typically small at first and grow larger over time. One of the most common symptoms is blurred or cloudy vision, but the symptoms may vary depending on the type of cataract that you have. Other symptoms include:
- Double vision
- Hypersensitivity to light
- Trouble seeing at night
- Distorted vision
- Colors appear faded and duller
Cataract Treatment
If your cataracts are not impairing your vision or causing symptoms, you may not require treatment until your vision is affected. Cataracts can be removed through an outpatient surgery, which involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with an implant.
For more information about cataract surgery and treatment for vision problems, contact Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology in New York, NY by calling (212)-220-0066 to schedule an appointment today!