Cataracts
Cataracts are a gradual clouding of the crystalline lens within the eye, which results in increasingly poor vision.
Dr. William Goldstein in Shelby Township, MI, offers advanced treatment for cataracts that can completely restore your ability to focus.
But what exactly are cataracts?
Usually Age-Related
Cataracts typically develop as we age. Proteins within the naturally crystalline lens in our eyes begin to clump, affecting how light enters the eye. As a result, this clouding of the lens undermines the eye's ability to focus light and, in turn, our ability to see clearly.
Chronic
If you develop cataracts, you can maintain your vision by reading with bright lights and keeping your glasses prescription up-to-date. However, there is no known way to prevent or reverse cataracts once they begin to develop. Without surgery, the condition will eventually result in blindness.
Treatable
Fortunately, cataracts can be corrected with a safe surgical procedure. During this treatment, the natural lens is replaced with a synthetic lens that allows light to enter the eye unobstructed. As a result, you can focus on far objects clearly once more.
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. We proudly serve patients throughout Slidell and Mandeville.
