A cataract is the gradual clouding of the part of your eye known as the crystalline lens. Cataract formations occur at different rates and can affect one or both of your eyes at the same time. A cataract is not a foreign body in the eye nor a growth of any sort nor a film over the eye.

How do I know if I have a cataract?

Most cataracts are found during routing eye examinations by the ophthalmologist. Persons over 40 should have their eyes checked approximately every two years. Examinations performed before the lens is completely clouded give valuable information about the back of the eye. If a cataract does develop, the ophthalmologist will have a better idea how much vision can be improved by surgery.

This clouding is usually due to the aging process but can also be caused by eye trauma, heredity, diabetes, and even some medications. Whatever the cause, cataracts typically result in: Blurring of eyesight, especially in bright light; visual distortion when reading (e.g. inability to distinguish between letters); brighter and clearer vision in one eye.

How are cataracts treated?

"Fortunately, with modern medical technology, your cataract can be treated safely and effectively through the use of microsurgical techniques. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed today.  The procedure involves the surgical removal of the clouded lens and its replacement with a synthetic, crystal clear intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is permanent and provides natural peripheral vision and good depth perception.
The patient enters the hospital and goes home the same day. The operation itself usually takes less than 30 minutes and causes very little discomfort. The patient is sedated and given local anesthetic and is comfortable during the operation.

Most often, the patient enters the hospital and goes home the same day. The operation itself usually takes less than one hour and causes very little discomfort. The patient is sedated and given local anasthetic and is generally comfortable during the operation.

Dr. Stephen M. Soll F.A.C.S. of SOLL EYE ASSOCIATES was one of the first ophthalmologists on the East Coast to introduce a new intraocular lens implant utilized during cataract surgery.