What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a loss of transparency, or clouding, of the normally clear lens of the eye.  As one ages, chemical changes occur in the lens that make it less transparent.  The loss of transparency may be so mild vision is hardly affected or so severe that no shapes or movements are seen, only light and dark.  When the lens gets cloudy enough to obstruct vision to any significant degree, it is called a cataract.  Glasses or contact lenses cannot sharpen your vision if a cataract is present.




The most common cause of cataract is aging. Other causes include trauma, medications such as steroids, systemic diseases such as diabetes and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Occasionally, babies are born with a cataract.

Reducing the amount of ultraviolet light exposure by wearing a wide-brim hat and sunglasses may reduce your risk for developing a cataract but once developed there is no cure except to have the cataract surgically removed. Outpatient surgical procedures can remove the cataract through an incision of about 1/10th of an inch.

How do you know when it is time to have a cataract removed? The answer is quite simple. The time to have your cataract removed is when you believe your quality of life would be better if you could see well.

Cataract surgery is a very successful operation. One and a half million people have this procedure every year and according to a survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, more than 98% have a successful result. More than 99% of Dr. Singer's cataract patients have had their vision successfully improved after surgery. As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur during or after surgery and some are severe enough to limit vision. But in most cases, vision, as well as quality of life, improves.