Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment
In the early phases of cataracts, vision may be affected very little, if at all. One of the first signs of progression of the cataract may be that the glasses prescription may change. While a change of glasses may suffice for a while, with time more glasses changes are likely to be required as the cataract develops. When the vision starts to decline, even with a best-fit pair of glasses, or annoying symptoms like glare or double vision begin to occur, removing the cataract is the best way to restore visual function.
Surgical Treatment
When the cataract begins to impair visual function or cause disturbing symptoms that interfere with a person’s daily activities, it can be removed. Several additional testing procedures must be performed prior to cataract surgery, including measurements of the length of the eye and assessment of the curvature of the cornea.
Many options are available today for the prosthetic lens to replace the crystalline lens. Some lenses, called multifocal lenses or accommodating lenses, allow for correction of both near and distance vision.
