Frequently Asked Questions
Are cataracts treatable?
Yes! For those who have already developed a formal cataract, typically found in patients ages 60 and above, we recommend modern cataract surgery. Learn more about cataract surgery here.
For younger patients who exhibit the beginning stages of cataracts, but do not have a fully-developed cataract, we recommend Clear Lens Exchange (CLE). This procedure corrects vision and eliminates the inevitable need for cataract surgery later in life. With CLE, a very advanced implantable lens is put in the place of your eye’s original lens. This new lens corrects distance vision and astigmatism. It’s a permanent lens and the patient will not develop a cataract again. Treatment is recommended depending on the severity of symptoms and cataract development. For patients with fully-developed cataracts, cataract surgery is the suggested solution. However, if your symptoms suggest that you’re showing early symptoms of cataract development but not a fully-developed cataract, other treatment possibilities are available.
What are the risk factors for cataracts?
By the age of 65, most people will have formed cataracts, which occur when your human lens becomes clouded to such an extent that it has an effect on your vision and quality of life. This condition typically comes about with age, but can also result from trauma, disease, and use of select medications. Several groups have an increased risk for developing cataracts and potentially need cataract surgery. Instances include:
- Smokers
- Diabetics
- Steroid users
- Patients who have experienced trauma
If you have cataracts, or plan to have cataract surgery, and you would like to be evaluated, the doctors of Katzen Eye Group would be delighted to assist you. Our doctors are recognized by their patients and colleagues as innovators and pioneers in cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery. Katzen Eye Group doctors were the first in Maryland and among the first in the nation to perform modern day cataract and implant surgery.
Cataract treatment is offered at Katzen Eye Group in Baltimore, at Mercy Medical Center, and in Lutherville-Towson, Maryland. Contact us today so we can help you achieve a brighter future!
How do I know if I have a cataract?
Typically, we find that a key warning sign of cataract growth is the introduction of “night halos” or glares in vision. That, coupled with the above indicators (difficulty driving and reading or colors appearing less sharp/vivid) may be warning symptoms of a cataract
However, the BEST way to find out if you have or are developing a cataract is by setting up a consultation with one of our eye doctors. There, a doctor will run screening to properly assess your vision and whether or not cataract surgery is ideal for you.
How long does the initial consultation take?
About 2 hours, including the diagnostic procedures.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a simple and common procedure with an excellent success record. The clouded natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). It is performed on an outpatient basis with a topical anesthetic that will make it a pain-free procedure. One eye is done at a time, with a short recovery period in between.
After making a very small incision outside your field of vision, your eye surgeon will introduce a tiny probe and use ultrasound to break up the clouded natural lens. With suction, the pieces are quickly removed, and through the same incision, the IOL is inserted and positioned precisely. You may have a protective shield to wear during sleep for just about a week, and your eye surgeon will prescribe eye drops to be applied several times each day for several weeks. For best results, it is very important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions exactly.
What is Clear Lens Exchanges (CLE)?
Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) is a surgical vision correction procedure that restores nearsightedness and farsightedness, and eliminates the need for eventual cataract surgery late in life.
