Is There A Wrong Age For Cataract Surgery?
August 30th, 2019
Cataracts often affect people over the age of 40, but it is by no means limited to that demographic. Sometimes, children are born with cataracts.
While the exact age of when to perform cataract surgery is still debated, it’s safe on newborns. In fact, it is important to do so or vision can become affected.
Not taking care of congenital cataracts can lead to longer-lasting vision problems. In some cases, the cataract is small enough to avoid removal.
As for an upper age limit for cataracts, there isn’t one! Patients well into their hundreds have even gotten the surgery!
It is up to you and your eye doctor to determine whether it is worth it to perform cataract surgery.
You can find out during a cataract screening at Laser Eye Center in Decatur, AL. Keep reading to find out more about cataracts!
The Different Types of Cataracts
There are two categories when discussing types of cataracts: origins and cataract formations.
Cataracts’ origins are the cause of the cataract. For example, cataracts in children are known as “congenital” cataracts.
Cataracts that form due to eye injury are called “traumatic” cataracts. “Radiation” cataracts are caused by exposure to radiation, for example, UV rays from the sun.
Finally, surgery or certain eye problems like glaucoma can form “secondary” cataracts.
Cataract formations refer to the shape and placement of the cataract in the lens of the eye itself. There are three types of cataracts: cortical, nuclear sclerotic, and posterior sub-capsular.
Cortical cataracts are not very common. When they do form they create a wheel-like pattern in the lens. They will have triangular clefts pointing inwards like spokes.
These types of cataracts produce a lot of glare, as light refracts off of the cataract and scatter in the eye.
Nuclear sclerotic cataracts are much more common than cortical cataracts. They form in the center of the lens, causing it to harden and become yellow. These causes colors to fade and vision to decrease very gradually.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts form on the back end of the lens. These also produce glare as well as sensitivity to light.
They often form as the result of uncontrolled diabetes or as a side effect of corticosteroid use.
Cataract Removal
Cataract surgery is a simple and safe procedure. It involves removing the entire lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens.
In the case of congenital cataracts, contacts or glasses are often used. Your vision is more apt to change when you are young.
During cataract surgery, your surgeon makes a small incision. Through the incision, the lens is completely removed and replaced with an IOL.
The IOL, or artificial lens, takes over the job that the lens was performing. By removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an IOL, you can have clear vision once more!
It’s important to discuss your IOL options at your cataract screening. There are several to choose from, but this is something your cataract surgeon can help you with.
Ready to say goodbye to cloudy vision and your cataracts? Schedule a cataract screening at the Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL today!
