Cataract Symptoms and Surgery
Trying to see through a foggy window or windshield can be frustrating – preventing interaction with the world around us. Clear vision is crucial for performing many everyday tasks, such as work, reading, and enjoying hobbies, and it can impact an individual’s social interactions and emotional and physical well-being. Here, three board-certified ophthalmologists in Chattanooga shed light on cataracts – a common condition that causes clouded vision – and discuss early detection and treatment options.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a cloudy eye lens that occurs due to aging or certain medical conditions. Over time, the lenses of an individual’s eyes thicken and become cloudy; or the proteins in the lenses break down and clump together. In both instances, a cataract forms, creating a cloudy spot that – if not treated – will grow and prevent light from passing through the eye. This ultimately results in vision loss and can even cause blindness.
Individuals aged 60 and above represent the majority of cases with cataracts. According to Dr. Elizabeth Mabry with Mabry Eye Center, age is not the only thing that encourages cataract development.
“Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide,” Dr. Mabry says. “While aging is the most common and natural cause, certain groups are at higher risk. Diabetes, smoking, long-term steroid use, and previous eye injury can all increase the likelihood of developing cataracts.”
Menopause and Cataracts
Though cataracts impact both men and women, eye health issues have been proven to impact women more due to menopause – including cataracts as well as dry eye and glaucoma.
“Research suggests that women have a higher risk of cataracts, especially after menopause,” says Dr. John Prenshaw with Woolfson Eye Institute. “Likely reasons include hormonal changes, especially the decrease in estrogen, which normally helps protect lens proteins. Women also have longer life expectancy compared to men. Since cataracts are most common in people over the age of 60, this increases a woman’s years at risk.”
Because of hormones’ impact on the body and eye health, experts recommend women prioritize regular, comprehensive eye exams both during and after menopause to help catch vision changes early on and prevent long-term issues.
Cataract Surgery
As one of the most frequently performed and successful surgical procedures worldwide, cataract surgery improves vision for 97% of patients. Every year, millions of Americans undergo the surgery with extremely high success rates, minimal complications, and significant improvements in their quality of life.
“Cataracts in their early stages can be monitored with routine exams, but surgery is the only way to get rid of a cataract,” says Dr. Cale Hildebrand with Chattanooga Vision Center. “Many patients can achieve 20/20 vision after cataract surgery, but the primary goal for most patients is to improve image quality, brightness, and potentially reduce spectacle lens wear.”
During the operation, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Hildebrand notes that IOLs can have different strengths to accommodate different patients’ needs.
“Single-focus lenses are covered by insurance and improve vision after cataract removal, but patients will likely still need bifocals. Astigmatism-correcting lenses, which are not covered by insurance, counteract uneven eye curvature and usually allow good distance vision with only the need for reading glasses. Premium lenses help patients become more glasses-independent by enabling vision at multiple distances, though they’re not covered by insurance and may not suit everyone,” he explains.
Prevention and Early Detection
Though preventative measures cannot always stop the development of cataracts, they can help to slow the progression of them. To proactively protect your vision and overall eye health, experts suggest:
Avoiding overexposure to UV rays. Ultraviolet light from the sun can cause cataracts. Wearing a brimmed hat or ultraviolet B sunglasses while outdoors protects your eyes from overexposure.
Incorporating fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables into your diet. These are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall eye health.
Consider quitting smoking. Smoking has been proven to negatively impact eye health and encourage the formation of cataracts.
Reducing your alcohol intake. The overuse of alcohol can increase the risk of cataracts.
Managing your health. Diabetes and obesity are connected to the formation of cataracts. Staying on track with your treatment plans and regularly exercising will reduce the risk of cataracts.
Seeing your eye care provider regularly. Preventative health and early detection are key for reducing vision loss. Ask your eye care provider how often you should have your eyes checked.
By self-monitoring and noticing symptoms, individuals can often detect the early stages of cataract formation and prevent further vision loss. Signs of cataracts can include:
- Clouded, blurry, or dim vision
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Seeing halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Yellowing or fading of colors
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent prescription changes for glasses
In addition to the different types of IOLs available, the two common types of cataract surgery are:
Phacoemulsification – Surgeons make a tiny incision in the cornea, the clear, dome shape covering the front of the eye. Using a high-frequency ultrasound to combine the proteins of the blurry lens, they are able to remove it through the incision.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery – This is the most
advanced technique and involves using a femtosecond laser for precise incisions and softens the blurry lens
before removal.
Depending on the type of procedure that is performed, recovery time can range from several days to weeks after the surgery.
An Optimistic Outlook
All three ophthalmologists emphasize that cataracts aren’t necessarily a permanent condition, and that for many, clearer vision is just around the corner:
Elizabeth Mabry, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Mabry Eye Center
“The presence of a cataract does not damage vision permanently. It may be a natural part of aging, but cataracts don’t have to stand in the way of living life to the fullest. With today’s advances in surgery, the vast majority of cataract procedures are uncomplicated. Most patients are thrilled with the outcome, enjoying brighter, clearer vision – often better than they’ve experienced in years.” – Dr. Elizabeth Mabry
John Prenshaw, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Woolfson Eye Institute
“Having a cataract is a treatable condition. For most patients, a cataract is treated with a short procedure, including a quick recovery time and minimal restrictions in the postoperative period. With today’s technology, there are multiple options to tailor your vision to your lifestyle after cataract surgery.” – Dr. Cale Hildebrand
Cale Hildebrand, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Chattanooga Vision Center
“Cataracts are one of the most common and treatable causes of vision loss worldwide. Modern cataract surgery is safe, quick, and highly successful – with millions of people regaining clear, sharp vision every year. If you or a loved one are living with cataracts, know that help is available, and in most cases, eyesight and quality of life can be greatly restored.” – Dr. John Prenshaw
Meet the Author
Abby Callahan, BA
Abby Callahan is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Spanish and the distinction of Cum Laude. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude from Chattanooga State Community College, earning honors through the Global Scholars Honors Program. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group, Abby successfully fulfilled roles in marketing and event planning, as well as strategic communications and storytelling for initiatives in environmental stewardship and sustainability, tribal relations and cultural resources, safety and procedures, and employee wellness support. Today, Abby leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
