Cataracts Effects and Treatment Options

Cataracts are an age-related problem with the natural lens of the eye. As we age, the lens becomes thicker, and begins to harden and become cloudy. So, cataracts are actually a problem WITHIN the lens of the eye, not a skin or covering over the eye. There are several varieties of cataracts, and they can cause different symptoms. The three most common types are nuclear cataracts, cortical cataracts, and posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC’s).

Cataract Surgery Detroit

The treatment of cataracts is surgical and the newest and safest method is Laser Cataract Surgery. No medical treatment has been proven to cure cataracts, so the lens of the eye must be removed, and replaced with an artificial lens implant. Two types of lens implants are available, standard and advanced technology lenses. Advanced technology lenses can be used to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. Dr. Goldstein employs many different lenses, including Crystalens™, and Tecnis and ReStor multifocal lenses to allow a full range of focus. Trulign and Toric Intraocular Lenses are used for astigmatism control.

Nuclear Cataracts

• The classic “aging” cataract
• Hardening of the lens
• Brown/Green/Yellow discoloration of the lens
• Slow growing

Cortical Cataracts

• More likely found in younger or older patients
• Appear as radial spokes, dots or bubbles
• Grow more quickly

PSC Cataracts

• Typically found in younger patients and Diabetic patients
• Appear as crystals scattered on the back surface of the lens of the eye
• Found in patients with diabetes or those on steroids
• Faster growth vs other types

Symptoms of Cataracts

All cataracts eventually cause a decrease in vision, but cortical and PSC cataracts may result in significant glare or halos. In fact, some patients have great vision when reading the eye chart, but are disabled in sunlight or with headlights approaching due to these symptoms.

Timing of Surgery

The modern thinking on timing of surgery has to do with impairment of activities of daily living (ADL’s). The concept of cataracts ‘ripening’ has fallen by the wayside; this term implies that the surgeon decides when surgery is appropriate. Currently, the surgeon aids the patient in the decision-making process, helping them to determine to what extent that their ADL’s are affected by decreased vision.

How is the surgery done?

Check out our cataract surgery, and the Laser Cataract Surgery page.

Outpatient surgery

• 15 minute procedure
• Pain Free, stitch-free and patch-free

Topical Anesthetic

• Mild sedation
• No injections/needles near the eye

Easy lens insertion

• Foldable lens
• Small incision (1/8th inch!)
• Advanced technology lenses available to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses

Quick Recovery

• Painless
• Patients can drive the next day without glasses

Dr. Goldstein will be glad to answer any questions you have about Cataract Surgery. To have your questions answered regarding surgery call Dr. Goldstein’s office at (586) 323-2020 to arrange an appointment, or set up your appointment now online.