Being diagnosed with cataracts on your eyes can be initially alarming, but fortunately this very common vision condition is repairable with surgery. Your cloudy vision can be a thing of the past, and in a quick and painless manner. Additionally, the same surgery can correct a lifetime vision affliction, like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Read on to learn more about cataracts and how easy it is to deal with this disorder.

Cloudy Vision

Cataracts are caused when the clear outer layer of your eye, called the lens, has a build-up of protein which makes vision blurry and cloudy. While some of the symptoms of cataracts can be counteracted with the use of sunglasses during the day, it's the glare from approaching headlights at night that often lead sufferers to the eye doctor. Many times, the cataract is very small when initially observed, and your doctor may suggest you wait until it gets worse. Unfortunately, cataracts seldom stay small and you will likely face surgery at some point.

Causes Of Cataracts

Simply getting another year older constitutes the prime cause of cataracts, but not the only cause. Smoking, sun exposure and alcohol use can also contribute to the chances of getting them. Additionally, the use of corticosteroids can be a cause, as can suffering from diabetes.

Cataract Removal Surgery

Most people are understandably squeamish when it comes to procedures involving the eyes, but this surgery is simple, quick and painless. The doctor will use a numbing eye drop and local anesthesia to erase the pain and then your old damaged lens will be removed and replaced with a new intraoculuar lens (IOL). Sometimes, general anesthesia is used, which can add a bit more time on to the surgery since pre-op and recovery procedures are more lengthy.

Four Types of Intraocular Lenses

1. Standard: This is the most commonly used IOL. The lens is clear and offers no vision correction; however, your vision will improve without the cataracts present.
2. Toric: This lens is meant to correct astigmatism by having more power in some areas of the lens to improve distance vision. Fitting for this type of lens must be extremely precise.
3. Multifocal: As its name suggests, this lens can assist with improved distance, near and intermediate vision. The downside of this type of lens is a tendency for issues with glare.
4. Accommodative: This lens improves both distant and intermediate vision and it is meant to flex with your eye muscle movement.

Be sure to discuss what type of IOL is best for your vision issues with your eye doctor and begin seeing better soon. For more information, contact an eye doctor like those at De Venuto Joseph J.