What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's normally clear lens. The lens is the part of the eye that focuses light rays to produce a sharp image.  When the lens becomes cloudy, light rays no longer pass through easily, and your vision becomes blurred.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts are a normal part of aging but can also occur from eye injuries, or certain disease, medications or long term exposure to the sun. 

How are cataracts treated?

Cataracts are often not treated surgically until your vision becomes so blurry you can no longer see well enough to perform your daily activities.  There are no medications or drops to treat cataracts.  The only way to remove them is through surgery.  Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens through a tiny incision and usually replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant.

What happens during cataract surgery?

Before surgery, Dr. Baer will perform a thorough eye exam.  He will measure your eye to determine the correct power of the intraocular lens that will be placed in your eye. He or the surgical coordinator will talk to you about whether you should discontinue any medications before surgery, and the surgical coordinator will help you coordinate any testing you need before surgery.  Make sure someone can drive you home after your surgery.

Before surgery, you may get eye drops and/or a mild sedative to help make you comfortable.  A local anesthetic will numb your eye.  The skin around your eye will be cleaned and sterile coverings will be placed around your head.  A small incision is made in your eye using an operating microscope. Tiny surgical instruments break apart and remove the cloudy lens.  An intraocular lens is implanted in your eye to replace the lens that was removed.  Following a short stay in the recovery area, you may go home.

What happens after surgery?

Following surgery, you should be careful not to rub or press on your eye.  Take eye drops as prescribed by Dr. Baer. Avoid driving and strenuous activities until instructed by Dr. Baer or the nurse.  You can continue most daily activities.