Cataracts are the "clouding" of the eye's clear lens, which lies between the iris and pupil. Cataracts start out small and have a negligible impact on vision. When they grow denser, a number of symptoms can arise, including blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty interpreting colors, frequently changing eye prescriptions, and more.

While this condition is usually age-related— more than half of all Americans develop cataracts by age 80—it can also result at an early age due to eye injury, diabetes, prolonged exposure to sunlight and other factors. Nicotine is also a known risk factor.

Early detection is critical, but there's no need to rush into cataract surgery. Dr. Betz will explain your specific condition, and the benefits and risks of this corrective procedure.

Surgery, which involves removing the old lens and implanting a new, artificial one, usually lasts about 10 minutes and is relatively painless. Most people prefer local anesthesia only and patients are almost always back home the same day.

Traditional lenses are monofocal - they offer vision at one distance only (far, intermediate, or near). This means that eyeglasses or contact lenses are needed in order to read, use a computer, or view objects in the middle distance, similar to the presbyopia (difficulty with near focusing) you were already experiencing before cataract surgery.

If you are an appropriate candidate, Dr. Betz will suggest innovative multi-focal lenses (including ReZoom, ReSTOR, and crystalens lenses. Unlike traditional single-vision lens implants, multi-focal lenses provide quality vision both near and far.

Though new to the region, multi-focal lenses have been thoroughly tested. Clinical data has determined that 92% of those who received the Rezoom lens in both eyes reported wearing glasses "never" or "occasionally." Data also indicates that nearly 94% of the study subjects were so satisfied with their new quality vision that they would have ReSTOR lenses implanted again.

For more information on cataracts and treatment:
National Eye Institute
WebMD

For more information on multi-focal lenses:
ReZoom IOL
ReSTOR IOL
Crystalens IOL