cataract definition and FAQ for glaucoma consultants northwest
Glaucoma Consultants Northwest
1221 Madison
Suite 1124
Seattle WA 98104
(206) 682-3447

Murray Johnstone, M.D. Richard Mills, M.D. Annisa Jamil, M.D.

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What exactly is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which lies between the front and back areas of the eye.

As the lens becomes increasingly cloudy, light rays are prevented from focusing on the retina. Symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, distortion, and dimming of colors and vision.

To the right is an intra-ocular lens implant that replaces the cloudy natural lens of the eye.

The lens is normally clear, like the top image. The cataract, in the middle picture, causes decreased vision, decreased color vision, and difficulty with glare, especially while driving at night.
The clear intra-ocular lens implant allows vision to be restored safely and comfortably.
What causes cataracts?

Cataracts are a natural aging process in the eyes, but can be caused or speeded up by many things. Glaucoma, diabetes and many systemic diseases contribute to cataracts. They also can be caused by injury. Smoking is known to be factor, and rarely, cataracts are congenital.

It is important to note that using your eyes does not speed up the progression of cataracts, and you cannot "conserve your eyes" by not using them.
The cataract, along with the rest of the eye, is examined through a microscope. How are cataracts diagnosed?

Dr. Johnstone or Dr. Smit will perform a thorough examination of your eyes. Our highly qualified technicians can perform tests to determine how the cataracts are affecting your vision.

These simple, painless tests include visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and a test that can simulate night vision.

Your doctor will carefully evaluate the results with you, so you can together make an informed decision. Any questions you may have will be answered.
Many diagnostic tests are available, which provide much more realistic assessments of how your vision affects your life, than simply reading the eyechart.
How are cataracts treated?

At first, a change in your eyeglass prescription may temporarily improve your vision. There are no eye drops or medications that will make cataracts disappear. When you are no longer able to do the things you enjoy, or pass your driver's license exam, it is time to discuss surgery. Cataracts can only be removed with surgery.
Is cataract surgery serious?

All surgery involves some risk, so yes, cataract surgery is serious. However, it is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States. Our doctors have performed thousands of cataract procedures, and have over a 99% success rate.
Will I have to wear those thick glasses?

Modern day cataract surgery usually involves intra-ocular lenses.

Most patients need only mild correction, and/or reading glasses for close vision. Some patients are candidates for multi-focal IOL's, which help with reading and distance. Ask Dr. Johnstone or Dr. Mills if this is an option for you.

 A large scale view of an intraocular lens
Actual size of today's intra-ocluar lenses, which have taken the place of the coke-bottle thick, peripheral vision reducing cataract glasses of the past.
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