Cataracts

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Located just behind the iris, the natural lens helps to focus light on the back of the retina, which then sends the images to the brain. When the lens is cloudy, light and images can be prevented from effectively reaching the retina, resulting in decreased visual acuity.

Cataract FAQs

What are symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts often develop slowly, and symptoms may not be noticeable at first. Over time, vision continues to worsen as the cataract grows. While the exact cause of cataracts is not fully understood, they are extremely common and should be checked by an eye care professional.

Common symptoms include:

Vision that gets worse with age
Blurry or double vision
Trouble seeing at night
Seeing halos around bright lights
Vision that worsens in sunlight
Poor depth perception
Difficulty telling colors apart
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
Difficulty reading

These symptoms can also be signs of other eye conditions. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or notice cloudy vision in one or both eyes, you are not alone. Cataracts are very common and usually develop with age, often starting around age 55. By age 65, more than half of Americans either have cataracts or have already had cataract surgery.
The good news is that vision loss from cataracts can usually be treated. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. About 90% of patients notice improved vision after surgery.

How are cataracts treated?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common medical procedures performed today. More than 18 million cataract surgeries are done worldwide each year, including thousands performed by our affiliate ophthalmology practice Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun in East Tennessee.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and is performed at the Eye Surgery Center of East Tennessee, meaning you can return home the same day.

Thanks to modern advances, cataract surgery is quick and involves little discomfort. During the procedure, a board-certified ophthalmologist removes the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). This allows light to pass clearly to the retina, improving vision. The surgery usually takes only a few minutes and does not require stitches.

Cataract surgery is done on one eye at a time, with the second eye typically treated one to two weeks later. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a day or two.

Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun offer the latest advances in lens replacement technology. Today’s lenses may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for near, far, and in-between vision, including reading. To learn more about replacement lens options or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.

I’m over 50, should I get tested for cataracts?

People over the age of 50 should see an EyeCare professional every year regardless of your symptoms. Schedule your appointment today by calling (865) 584-0905. Your Knoxville cataract surgeons at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor and Haun are standing by ready to offer personal care and state-of-the-art technology.