A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear and transparent lens of the eye. It is a fogging of the lens itself. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy like a frosted window and will cause a painless blurring of vision with a reduction in contrast.
The lens, located behind the pupil, focuses light on the retina at the back of the eye to produce a sharp image. When a cataract forms, instead of focusing all the light entering the eye, some of the light is scattered, causing blurred vision, a reduction of contrast and increase in glare. Often, however, a cataract affects only a small part of the lens and if sight is not greatly impaired, there is no need to remove the cataract. If a large portion of the lens becomes cloudy, sight can be partially or completely affected until the cataract is removed.
There are many misconceptions about cataracts. For instance, cataracts do not spread from eye to eye, though they often develop in both eyes about the same time. A cataract is not a film visible on the outside of the eye. Nor is it caused from overuse of the eyes or made worse by use of the eye. Cataracts rarely develop in a matter of months. Fortunately, vision can often be fully restored with a 15-minute procedure. Our referral surgeons use the latest techniques, without the use of needles or stitches and with recovery in about 24- 36 hours to full vision.