Cataract Health Article

Signs and tests

A standard eye exam and slit lamp examination are used to diagnose cataracts. Other diagnostic tests are rarely needed.

Treatment

The only treatment for cataract is surgery to remove it. This is done if you cannot perform normal activities, even with glasses.

If a cataract is not bothersome, then surgery is usually not necessary. However, there may be an additional eye problem that cannot be treated without first having cataract surgery.

For some people, changing glasses, getting stronger bifocals, or using a magnifying lens is helpful enough.

For information on surgery, see: Cataract surgery

Expectations (prognosis)

Vision may not improve to 20/20 after cataract surgery if other eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, are present. Ophthalmologists can usually, but not always, determine this in advance.

Complications

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing permanent vision problems.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have vision loss, decreased night vision, or problems with glare.

Prevention

The best prevention involves controlling diseases that increase the risk of a cataract, and avoiding exposure to factors known to promote cataract formation.

Wearing sunglasses when you are outside during the day can reduce the amount of UV light your eyes are exposed to. Some sunglasses do not filter out the harmful UV. An optician should be able to tell you which sunglasses filter out the most UV. For patients who smoke cigarettes, quitting will decrease the risk of cataracts.

References

Olitsky SE, Hug D, Smith LP. Abnormalities of the Lens. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap. 627.