Commonly Asked Questions: Cataracts

How do I know if I have cataracts?
At first, it's hard to tell. You'll notice some deterioration of your vision, such as more sensitivity to lights at night, colors looking less bright, double vision, or some blurriness. Initially, a new glasses or contact lens prescription might help, but at some point, cataract surgery will become necessary.

When the vision problem grows to the point where your daily activities are blocked (reading, driving, etc.) it's time to consult a New Hampshire cataract eye surgeon about removing the cataract. If they've been developing in both eyes, each eye can be treated separately, so you retain your vision and functionality.

Are there different kinds of cataracts?
Yes, there are three main kinds.

• Nuclear cataracts - the most common kind, that comes with advancing years, and begins in the center of the lens;
• Cortical cataracts - which develop most often in diabetics, and begin at the edge of the lens, extending inwards, causing blindness when they reach the center;
• Subcapsular cataracts - also found in people with diabetes, as well as in young people, and those who take steroids over a long period. They develop rapidly from the back of the lens, and have early symptoms of glare, difficulty night driving and reading.

What causes cataracts?
The cause isn't clear. Studies have been done and the results have suggested some risk factors, such as:

• Diabetes
• Use of steroids
• Ultraviolet light (sunlight)
• Cosmic radiation
• Over-consumption of alcohol
• Air pollution
• Exposure to lead

Do only older people get cataracts?
Advancing age is certainly a predisposing factor, and by the age of 75 or so, nearly everyone is said to have at least the beginning of a cataract. Some babies are born with congenital cataracts, some apparently inherited, and others apparently the result of the mother having an infectious disease while pregnant, such as chickenpox or German measles. While age does not contribute, young healthy patients can also commonly develop cataracts.

Is cataract surgery dangerous to your eyes?
All surgery carries some risk, and cataract surgery is not an exception. However, cataract surgery is the most commonly performed procedure in the U.S., and if you choose an experienced refractive surgeon, risk is minimal.

Is cataract surgery done with a laser?
Most commonly the lens is removed with ultrasound rather than a laser to break up the lens with the cataract before removing it. Also, after some surgeries, the pocket, or membrane that encloses the eye's lens becomes cloudy after the lens is removed, and in these cases, a YAG laser can be used to make a clear opening in that membrane, so that your vision isn't impeded.

How much time must go by before the second eye is treated?
Only one day needs to be in between the two surgeries but we prefer to wait at least 1 week to ensure good healing in the first operative eye.

I wear contact lenses. Can I wear them to your office for cataract surgery?
No. We will be taking a number of measurements of your eyes. These measurements enable us to measure the thickness and curvature of your eye. It is important that candidates do not wear soft contact lenses for 5 days, toric lenses for 2 weeks or hard contact lenses for 8 weeks prior to the diagnostic evaluation.

Contact our Portsmouth, New Hampshire Cataract Eye Surgeon for more info.

1-866-30-CLEAR
603-501-5000

Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center

Hours of Operation
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 8am - 5pm
Thurs: 8am - 8pm

Jackson-Gray Medical Building
330 Borthwick Ave, Suite 306
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Fax: 603-501-5001