Cataracts and Astigmatism
Cataracts are a common cause of age-related vision loss. Thankfully, in most cases, vision loss from cataracts can be completely restored with cataract surgery.
A cataract is clouding of the normally clear crystalline lens inside the eye, which is located directly behind the pupil. This clouding appears to be associated with changes on the structure of proteins in the lens. The exact cause cataracts is unknown, but risk factors include poor nutrition, significant lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, smoking and heavy alcohol use.
It is unclear whether cataracts can be prevented, but some research suggests a healthy diet that includes plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables might reduce a person's risk of cataract formation.
In most cases, cataracts are an age-related change in the eye, affecting people over age 50. But they also can develop in young people after an eye injury or as a side effect of systemic diseases like diabetes or prolonged use of certain medications (corticosteroids). Some people can born with lenses that are already cloudy due to congenital cataracts.
During cataract eye surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a manufactured intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract removal. A customized IOL power is selected to also reduce or eliminate any significant pre-existing nearsightedness during the cataract operation. There also are special intraocular lenses called toric IOLs that can correct astigmatism, and multifocal or accommodating IOLs (Crystalens) to reduce the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Astigmatism also can be corrected during or after cataract surgery with a procedure called limbal relaxing incisions (LRI). In this procedure, a small arc-shaped incision is made in the periphery of the cornea to reshape the front of the eye. When the incision heals, the cornea is more uniform in shape and astigmatism is reduced.
The first step to determine if you have cataracts is to have a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If your vision is affected by cataracts and your eye doctor feels you need surgery, he or she will refer you to a cataract surgeon to perform the procedure.
In most cases, cataract surgery is very successful and good vision is restored. For the best surgical outcome, be sure to follow your cataract surgeon's advice regarding use of eye medications and the precautions to take during your cataract surgery recovery.