Cataracts occur naturally over time. Over decades, our clear crystalline lens in our eye turns yellow and may develop opacities. Much like looking through a dirty or smudged window, cataracts degrade our vision in different ways.
Cataracts cause blurry vision. Incoming light will scatter when passing through a cataract. This leads to images being fuzzy, foggy, or out of focus. Since the problem exists within the eye, glasses cannot improve this type of blur. This can range from difficulty reading small print, difficulty seeing road signs, or even difficulty recognizing faces across the room.
Cataracts cause glare while driving at night. Similar to blur, the scattering of incoming lights is especially pronounced when driving at night. Headlights from oncoming vehicles may appear to have glare, halos, and starbursts. This can make driving at night more difficult and even hazardous if the cataract is dense enough. Patients can also be more sensitive to lights in general. Patients may find they avoid driving at night.
Cataracts cause loss of contrast. This effect can be subtle. Navy blue and black are two similar colors. For patients with cataracts, even with the best room illumination, it may be impossible to tell the difference between the two colors. Colors may appear dull or washed out. As cataracts usually take decades to develop, this change may be subtle.
Fortunately Dr. Ballitch offers patients many options for cataract surgery. The outpatient procedure is quick, causes no-to-minimal discomfort, and can offer patients a lifetime of improved vision.
Most recently, we are excited to offer patients the PanOptix lens, which corrects distance, intermediate, and near vision, with a single implantable lens. This is the only trifocal intraocular lens available for patients. For more, check out: https://panoptix.myalcon.com/cataracts/panoptix-iol/nl/
