What is cataract and what causes it?
Cataract is a condition in which the natural lens becomes gradually opaque. Usually, it is the result of the normal aging process. But cataract can be also caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, inflammation of eye, certain medicines or diabetes mellitus. In very rare cases, congenital cataract occur in infants. Congenital cataract are caused when the mother suffered from chickenpox, German measles or other infectious diseases during the time of pregnancy.
What are main the symptoms of cataract?
The common symptoms of cataract are:
1. Difficulty in night driving because of glares from lights.
2. Severe glare from sun or lamps.
3. Vision becomes foggy, cloudy or fuzzy.
4. Double vision.
5. Frequent changes in the prescription of eyeglasses.
6. Vision problems that hinder daily activities.
7. Second sight or near vision will be improved temporarily in people with farsightedness.
What are the different types of cataract?
Nuclear cataract, cortical cataract and posterior sub-capsular cataract are the three common types of cataract.
Is it possible to prevent cataract?
No. It is difficult to prevent cataract as the development of cataract is the part of natural aging process. Dr. William Boothe recommends to take some precaution measures such as wearing protective eye glasses, avoid eye injury, avoid smoking, and regular check up for vision changes.
Is cataract painful?
No. Cataract does not cause any pain, redness, infection. As it develops, it may become uncomfortable.
What are the possible treatments for the cataract?
The major treatment for the cataract is cataract surgery. In advanced center such as Dr. Boothe’s, the natural lens of the eye is removed in a typical cataract surgery and is replaced by an artificial intraocular lens. The intraocular lens is made up of acrylic, plastic or silicone. During early stages of cataract, stronger eyeglasses can provide relief from the symptoms of cataract. But to cure cataract, the only treatment is the surgical procedure.
Explain the procedure of cataract removal.
Dr. William Boothe will create an incision in the eye to remove the natural lens using LASIK procedure. The cataract will be broken into tiny pieces and suctioned out of the eye. In place of the natural lens, Dr. Boothe will insert an intraocular lens. Usually, the posterior membrane of the natural lens will not be removed. In some instances, the surgeon will do an intracapsular extraction in which both the membrane and the lens are removed from the eye to avoid the membrane becoming cloudy. If the remaining natural lens became opaque, then the condition is known as a secondary cataract and can be addressed as well.
How long does it take to complete the cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery will take only 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The patient has to spend only some hours in Dr. Boothe’s center, and most probably, the patient will be able to leave the center on the same day of the surgery.
Is it possible to restore the normal eye vision after the cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery will help the patient to experience improved vision. The complications of cataract surgery are minor in patients who had undergone phacoemulsification or extracapsular surgery because both surgeries will not remove the eye capsule.
What are the complications of cataract surgery?
Although complications are not common, cataract surgery has a risk profile that is similar to other surgeries. In a small amount of cases, patients may experience bleeding, swelling, infection and pain after the surgery. Dr. Boothe will prescribe some medication to reduce the side effects of the surgery. You will be provided with post-op instructions and will be asked to immediately contact the office in case of any unexpected complication.
What is the recovery time for cataract surgery?
The recovery time for cataract surgery is about six weeks. Most of the patients experience discomfort or pain after the surgery, but it gradually disappears a day or two after the cataract surgery. Dr. Boothe will recommend patients to use special eye drops and pills for better healing and pressure regulation in the eye. During the recovery time, patients should use eye shields or sunglasses to protect the eyes.

