Cataracts causes and surgery

Cataracts are the cloudiness in your eyes that lead to a reduction in vision.  This reduction of vision is caused by opacity in the lens as it obstructs light from passing through and focusing on the retina.

Cataracts are most commonly caused by aging, but may be caused by other factors such as trauma, genetics, medications, or diseases. They rarely occur in people under the age of 40. As you and your eyes get older, a yellow-brown pigment is deposited within the lens disrupting the normal structure of the eye and causing a reduction in light transmission that makes it more difficult to see.

Unfortunately, there is no sure way of preventing cataracts completely. However, there are some suggestions for actions you can take to slow the development of eye cataracts. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from UV-B exposure.  A regular intake of Vitamins A, C, and E will help keep your body healthy, aiding in building protection pathogens.  Nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, found in vegetables, can also help keep your eyes in full health.

What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness, but can fortunately be treated with surgery. Cataract surgery is the only treatment to eliminate cataracts. It is a standard, uncomplicated, and safe outpatient surgery performed with local anesthesia.
There are three possible procedures used for removing cataracts: Phacoemulsification, extracapsular cataract extraction, and intracapsular cataract extraction

Phacoemulsification is the most commonly used cataract removal surgery. This procedure involves breaking and emulsifying the lens into liquid with an ultrasound, then irrigating and suctioning the cortex. A plastic foldable lens is then inserted to the capsular bag to contain the natural lens followed by salt-water injections to swell and seal the incision.

Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) is most often used for advanced cataracts. Performed by cutting a large incision so that the cataract can easily be removed in one piece. An artificial lens is then placed in the capsular bag. ECCE requires various sutures to close the larger incision, which makes visual recovery slower. Recovery often requires numbing medication injections and an eye patch.

Intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) involves removing the lens and surrounding capsule in one piece using one large incision as pressure is applied to the vitreous membrane. ICCE is rarely used because of its high rate of complications.

Removal of cataracts can be done at any stage of development and are highly recommended for anyone who experience significant vision loss.

Where to go in Utah

Utah has plenty of qualified eye surgeons that are capable of performing all three types of cataract surgeries. Similar to every other type of surgery, it is recommended that you shop around and consult with as many surgeons as possible before committing to one. Google "Utah Eye Centers" or "recommended Utah eye surgeons" to begin your extensive search. Cataract surgery is considered a standard procedure and should be covered either in full or partially by most Utah insurance companies.