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What are cataracts?
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally transparent
lens of the eye. Cataracts cause a progressive loss of vision
because they prevent light from being properly focused on the
retina. Cataracts do not spread from one eye to the other, but
may develop in both eyes at the same time. Symptoms include hazy
or blurred vision, sensitivity to bright lights and glare, distorted
or double vision, and difficulty seeing at night.
Who is at risk?
All men and women are at risk, because cataracts are a normal
part of the aging process. In fact, cataracts are the leading
cause of vision loss among adults age 55 and older. About half
of adults age 65 to 74 have cataracts, and about 70 percent of
those age 75 and over have the condition.
Other factors can put people of any age at risk for cataracts,
including eye injury, excessive sunlight, toxic chemicals, or
medications.
What are the treatments?
When cataracts first form, a stronger eyeglass prescription, magnifying
lenses or better lighting may help improve your vision. However,
surgery is the only way to remove cataracts when your vision becomes
significantly impaired. Cataract surgery is a relatively simple
outpatient procedure. A small incision is made to remove the cloudy
natural lens, and a clear, acrylic or silicone intraocular lens
(IOL) is implanted in its place to restore your vision.
A clear, new option
Because the quality and effectiveness of the intraocular lens
is critical to restoring your vision after cataract surgery, Medennium
has developed the unique Matrix Acrylic™
IOL. This foldable, hydrophobic lens requires only a small
incision to replace the natural crystalline lens. It offers all
the advantages of comparable acrylic IOLs, with none of the compromises.
For more detailed information click Matrix
Acrylic IOL.
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