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The aging process is
directly related to cataracts. Over half of all people aged 65 or older
have some degree of cataract development. Simply put, a cataract is a
clouding of a transparent part of the eye called the lens. The most
common symptoms of cataracts are cloudy or blurry vision, colors
appearing faded, increased glare from lamps or headlights or frequent
changes to one's eyeglasses prescription. It's important to have these
symptoms checked by an eye-care professional, like Dr. Larry Morrison or
Dr. Michael Morrison, as they can also be a sign of other eye disorders.
Since there is presently
no medical treatment to prevent cataracts or reverse them once they
develop, the only treatment for cataracts is their surgical removal.
Today's cataract surgery is a marvel of medical technology: The surgeon
gently removes the cloudy lens of the eye and replaces it with an
artificial intraocular lens implant to restore bright, clear vision.
First the surgeon numbs
the tissue around the eye. After that tissue is fully numbed, the
surgeon then makes a very small opening at the edge of the eye to allow
special instruments to reach inside. The surgeon guides an
ultrasonic probe to gently break up and extract the cloudy lens
material. A specially selected lens implant is then carefully
placed inside where the eye's original lens used to be, and the
treatment is complete. The opening into the eye is so small that it
typically requires no stitches whatsoever.
For more information on cataracts or to schedule an appointment, call the Morrison Eye Care office nearest you. |
