Cataracts are clusters of proteins that build on the eye’s clear lens. As proteins develop, they create a cloudy film over the eye. Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss. In most cases, cataracts are age-related, but they can develop in childhood or occur as a result of injury or trauma.
At his eye institute in Harlingen, TX, Dr. Raul Peña offers cataract treatment to stop the progression of cataracts and restore clear eyesight. Here Dr. Peña provides an overview of cataract effects and treatment options to reestablish clarity of vision and improve quality of life.
Cataract Effects
Cataracts are a progressive eye disease. In their early stages, cataracts usually do not cause noticeable symptoms. Many people are unaware of cataracts until the condition is diagnosed at a routine eye exam or until the disease progresses and symptoms develop. As cataracts worsen, they may affect vision in many ways. The most common cataract symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- The sensation of looking through a cloudy, foggy, or filmy window
- Lessening of the vividness or distinction of colors
- Sensitivity to bright lights, such as sunshine, headlights, or lamps
- Difficulty with night vision
- The appearance of glares, halos, or streaks around sources of light
- Double vision
- Changes in vision perception
- A cloudy appearance to the eyes
Controlling Cataract Symptoms
When cataracts are in their early stages, symptoms are often controlled with prescription lenses. Glasses and contact lenses enhance vision to counteract cataract effects. As cataracts worsen, patients need progressively stronger lenses. When our Harlingen patients require frequent prescription changes, it is a good indicator that it is time to consider cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery eliminates cataracts and restores clear vision. During a cataract procedure, Dr. Peña breaks up cataracts and removes the eye’s lens. The lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL acts like a permanent contact lens, improving the eye’s focusing ability and correcting vision at near or far distances.
IOL Options
When performing cataract surgery, there are several options for IOL placement. Traditional monofocal IOLs correct the eye’s focusing ability at one distance - either near or far. Patients who receive monofocal IOLs may require glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at all distances. Fortunately, Dr. Peña offers his Harlingen patients multifocal and accommodating implants that provide improved vision at a range of distances.
Some of the IOL options available for cataract treatment at Dr. Peña’s eye institute include:
- RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens: The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens is made of materials that can be adjusted in response to UV light. This lens can be customized after surgery, so patients can preview vision results and determine the correction best suited to their lifestyle needs.
- PanOptix®: The PanOptix® lens is a trifocal implant that delivers a complete range of vision.
- Crystalens®: The Crystalens® implant has small hinges that allow it to be moved with the eye’s muscles, providing better focusing ability and clearer vision.
Contact Us
Dr. Raul Peña offers customized cataract treatment to eliminate cataract symptoms and restore clear vision. If you are experiencing cataract effects and would like to learn more about treatment options, contact our eye institute at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment.
