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A cataract is an abnormal change in the chemicals within an eye that then cause the anterior (front) lens of an eye normally clear to become cloudy and opaque. Although cataracts can vary from little to severe clouding, it almost always causes a noticeable loss of vision.
Cataracts develop most often due to advancing age, and are thus found the greatest percentage of time in people over the age of 55. But cataracts can also result from heredity, injury, medications or disease. They usually develop in both eyes, although they may not occur at the same time.
Once your cataracts have reached the stage where they are interfering with your normal life, Dr. Fitterman may suggest that surgery be performed to remove the cataract. Both you and the doctor will decide on the type of post-cataract, intraocular lens (IOL) implant that he will insert in your eye at the time of surgery. At present, you can choose from the regular lens, or the new, foldable lens. The regular lens had been in widespread use 25 years, with a proven track record of success (advantages). The new, foldable IOL requires a smaller incision, which allows for quicker healing and faster visual recovery with less trauma to the eye.
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