Questions about Cataracts
If you are over age 60, there’s a good chance that you have cataracts. In fact, even if you are under 60, your vision could be impaired by cataracts. The good news is that Dr. Pilkinton can remove the cataracts and restore you vision without stitches or shots.
Results from these procedures are so outstanding that most patients report dramatically improved vision within hours of their procedure.
To find out more, please look through this special section on cataracts. If you feel you might have cataracts, please call us at (615) 329-7890 to set up an eye examination. This is the only way to know if your daily life activities are being diminished by this very common and treatable vision problem.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a progressive condition which causes the lens of your eye to become cloudy. Cataracts might be white or yellow or brown. They impair vision because less light is allowed through the lens into your eye. This causes blurred vision, loss of contrast, glare or a starburst effect in your vision.
What causes cataracts?
While cataracts can occur at anytime in your life, they’re usually a byproduct of aging and ultraviolet light and usually develop in your 60‘s or 70’s.
Other events can cause cataracts though. Eye trauma, inflammation in the eye or diabetes are all common factors causing cataracts.
Is there a treatment for cataracts?
Refractive cataract surgery is now a relatively standard treatment. This procedure requires no shots or stitches and is relatively painless. You’re completely conscious while Dr. Pilkinton implants a new lens. Usually this procedure, called "clear lens extraction" or "refractive lens exchange," is performed for high levels of refractive error. The standard intraocular lens used today is a monofocal lens that corrects distance vision. The patient sees well for distance but requires reading glasses to read. Recovery is fast and painless. You will be able to return to your normal activities- with improved distance vision- the very next day.
How do I know if I have cataracts?
Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, halos around light sources, glare, double vision and reduced color perception. The only way to positively know if you have cataracts is to have a complete examination by Dr. Pilkinton. He will discuss your medical history, check your vision, perform diagnostic testing and inspect the health of your eyes with a microscope. All of this is painless and Dr. Pilkinton will discuss with you the status of your eyes and treatment options.
