Cataracts? Get the Facts

It’s a fact: If you live long enough, you will develop a cataract. But it’s also true that cataracts are one of the most curable causes of vision loss. Thomas Armstrong MD is reminding patients that they don't have to live with decreased vision from cataracts. Dr. Armstrong is Chief of Ophthalmology at Abington-Jefferson Hospital, and practices at Armstrong George Cohen Will Ophthalmology in Abington and Hatboro.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye's normally clear lens, blocking the passage of light needed for vision. Cataracts form slowly and cause no pain. The average age for cataract surgery is the mid- to late-sixties, but surgery is sometimes needed as early as the forties, or as late as the nineties. When the cataract does grow and begin to affect vision, it can be easily removed through outpatient surgery.

Dr. Armstrong explains, "There are no drugs, vitamins or exercises that will make a cataract disappear. Fortunately, new techniques have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most successful procedures in all of medicine."

Cataract Symptoms

It is important for patients to schedule regular eye examinations, which screen for cataracts. Those patients who have one or more of these symptoms should see an ophthalmologist for a cataract evaluation, which is covered by Medicare and most health insurance.

• Steadily deteriorating vision
• Yellow, hazy, or blurred vision
• Decreased night vision, with glare or halos around lights
• Annoying glare in sunshine or bright light
• Constant cleaning of eyeglasses
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

Innovations in Cataract Surgery

Each year, more than 2 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. Some seniors fear cataract surgery, recalling the complicated procedure and lengthy recovery of decades ago. Modern cataract surgery uses phacoemulsification, where high-frequency sound waves break up the cataractous lens. It is then aspirated through a 1/8-inch incision in the cornea.

“Almost every cataract surgery today is performed in an outpatient surgical center, under local anesthesia, and with no stitches,” says Dr. Armstrong. “In most cases, patients notice remarkable improvement in their vision within several days, and fully recover in a week or two.”

High-Technology Lenses

In traditional cataract surgery, a single-focus lens is implanted to replace the extracted natural lens. The patient usually sees well for distance, but will require eyeglasses for near and intermediate vision. In the past several years, multi-focal lenses have been introduced. These lenses can correct vision for near as well as distance, allowing most patients to function without glasses.

Dr. Armstrong and his colleagues, Dr. Eric George and Dr. Avraham Cohen, are certified to implant multi-focal lenses. While these lenses offer many benefits over traditional implants, a minority of patients may notice halos around lights after surgery. They are not an option for everyone and are not covered by Medicare.

Another innovation utilized at Armstrong George Cohen Will Ophthalmology is toric intraocular lenses for patients with astigmatism. These lenses sharpen the vision considerably, and serve to lessen the need for eyeglasses or contacts.

Dr. Armstrong advises that patients interested in high-technology lenses should fully discuss expectations and cost with their surgeon.

When to Schedule Surgery

“A cataract doesn’t have to be "ripe" before surgery,” says Dr. Armstrong. “The best time to have a cataract removed is when it starts to interfere with your daily activities."

“If you suspect a cataract, schedule an evaluation at an ophthalmology practice where patients are encouraged to ask questions. Become fully informed before your procedure,” advises Dr. Armstrong. “At Armstrong George Cohen Will Ophthalmology, the surgeons and staff are prepared to assist you in achieving your best possible vision.”

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment for a cataract evaluation, contact

Armstrong George Cohen Will Ophthalmology

345 North York Road • Hatboro • 215-672-9030

1550 Old York Road • Abington• 215-784-0220

Visit our website

This Patch article is sponsored by Armstrong George Cohen Will Ophthalmology and written by Paula Blenner.

Image Credit: Charles Uniatowski Photography