Frequently Asked Questions about Cataracts

Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun want to ensure that patients understand their condition and subsequent treatment options. Following are common questions patients ask when faced with a cataract condition. It is important that you ask your doctor every question you might have before and after your surgery. 

Q: What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, making images appear  frosted or foggy. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, participate in favorite activities like golf and tennis, watch television, work on a computer or drive a car, especially at night.

Q: What causes cataracts?
There are many known causes of cataracts including aging, diabetes, certain injuries to the eyes, congenital disorders, and metabolic disorders.

Q: How are cataracts treated?
As the cataract first develops, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help sufferers deal with vision changes. But as vision becomes more clouded, cataract surgery is the only effective and long-term solution.

Q: What happens during cataract surgery?
During traditional cataract procedures, surgeons remove the clouded, natural lens and implant a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). This implanted lens has a single focus that is designed to provide distance vision, yet, most patients will require reading glasses or contacts following surgery. More advanced Lifestyle Lens are designed to reduce patients’ dependency on spectacles after cataract surgery.

Q: What is different about Lifestyle Lens?
The Lifestyle lens is a family of the most advanced lens options available today. Each is designed to help patients focus on objects that are near AND far. These lenses are the first generation designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts for cataract patients.

Q: Is Lifestyle Lens designed to provide readers’ vision as well as distance?
All of the advanced technology Lifestyle Lens options we offer were designed to provide a broad range of vision, near to distance. Patients should find their uncorrected vision significantly better after surgery, but preexisting ocular and other physiological factors may affect how well the lens performs. Your surgeon will consult with you and advise of the best options for your best outcome.