|
|
|
Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness in the U.S. today.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens which causes vision problems. Usually cataracts are related to aging. Over half of all Americans over age 65 have a cataract.
The lens of the eye is made to let light pass through and focus on the retina, and is made up of water and protein. Sometimes as we age some of the protein will clump together making small cloudy areas on the lens. These cloudy areas or cataracts interfere with vision by preventing the light from reaching the retina.
As time passes, the cataract may grow, making it harder to see. Vision through cataracts becomes dull and blurry, and cataract removal surgery becomes necessary.
There is no known cause for cataracts at this time. |
|
|
Cataracts
can cause dull,
blurry vision. |
|
| The most common symptoms of cataracts are: |
|
 Cloudy, dull or blurry vision
Glare from light such as bright sunlight
Seeing halos around lights such as headlights
Double vision
Colors that seem dull or faded
Poor night vision
|
|
| If you have any of these symptoms, please call your Eye M.D. (Ophthalmologist) immediately. These or other changes in your vision can be a sign not only of cataracts, but other eye problems as well. |
|
Cataract Surgery
There is no known prevention for cataracts, but fortunately cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today, improving vision in over 98% of cases in which surgery is recommended. |
|
|
Cataract surgery has experienced tremendous advancements over recent years, and Mid-Atlantic Eye Physicians has kept the pace. This sight restoring procedure has provided a higher quality of life for many patients who used to suffer from poor vision as a result of cataracts.
Older, more conventional methods of cataract surgery use a large incision to remove cataracts. The small incision surgery utilized by both Dr. DeVilla and Dr. Crichlow allows the incision to heal naturally with no stitches.
Amoung the many advantages of small incision cataract surgery over the older type of surgery are: |
|
Faster healing time allows you to return to normal activities sooner.
If glasses are needed after surgery, they can be fitted sooner.
Vision is usually better right after the surgery is finished, or within 24 hours.
Less astigmatism.
|
|
Dr. Crichlow performs cataract surgery on an out-patient basis
at these local hospitals:
Halifax Regional Medical Center:
Roanoke Rapids, NC &
Community Memorial Healthcenter:
South Hill, VA
|
 |
|
