What are cataracts?

Cataracts affect most people at some point after the age of 65. As we age, the natural crystalline lens of the eye can become clouded. Light rays are scattered and no longer pass clearly through to the retina. At first, this cloudiness may affect only a small part of the lens. But over time, the cataract usually becomes darker and harder and the quality of vision decreases significantly. To help you better understand cataracts, click here to watch an animation of how a cataract develops.

Cataract warning signs include:

• • Blurred vision
• • Vision getting worse
• • Difficulty seeing in low light
• • Difficulty driving at night
• • Colors seem faded
• • Light sensitivity
• • Frequent changes in glasses

   

• As cataracts develop, all objects—whether near or far—become blurred and vision usually worsens. One of the first signs of a cataract is the loss of the ability to see in low-light situations or at night. Other indicators include hazy or blurred vision, faded colors and sensitivity to light.

 

Treating cataracts

The only treatment for cataracts is to remove the clouded natural lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial lens implant. Cataract surgery and lens implantation is one of the most common of all surgical procedures performed worldwide. Each year, over 14.2 million cataract and lens implant procedures are performed.¹ Intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been used to restore vision for over half a century.

 

Click here to learn how CustomMatch™ Solutions can give you personalized full-range vision to match your unique lifestyle.

 

1. Market Scope. The Comprehensive Report on the IOL Market. St. Louis, Mo: Market Scope, LLC; 2004:27.