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At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our highly skilled ophthalmologists have extensive experience in treating people with cataracts, a common eye condition in older people. We offer the latest, minimally invasive surgical procedures that safely and effectively restore vision with advanced replacement lenses.
A normal part of aging, cataracts are a common eye condition in people 65 and older, but they can occur at any age. Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision. A cataract can develop in one or both eyes, but it cannot spread from one eye to the other. Watch a video that provides an overview about cataracts.
Ophthalmologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center perform hundreds of outpatient cataract surgeries each year. This high volume translates to extensive experience and successful outcomes for our patients.
UT Southwestern’s physicians and researchers have access to the latest scientific findings and treatments for cataracts, such as blade-free, image-guided, laser-assisted cataract surgery, a procedure that we customize for each patient’s eyes.
Although 90 percent of cataracts occur in elderly people, there are other types of cataracts, such as:
These risk factors can cause cataracts to develop earlier:
Cataracts tend to develop slowly, with gradual worsening of vision. Symptoms include:
Other eye conditions can also cause these symptoms. To detect a cataract and rule out other conditions, UT Southwestern ophthalmologists perform a comprehensive medical eye exam.
We evaluate the health of our patients’ eyes through tests such as:
For patients with early-stage cataracts, a change in the strength of their prescription (glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses) or the use of a magnifying lens can improve vision.
Cataract surgery is needed only when vision loss interferes with patients’ everyday work or leisure activities. The results of cataract surgery are usually the same whether a person waits months or years. Patients have time to carefully consider the treatment options before proceeding with surgery.
Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one. At UT Southwestern, our experienced ophthalmologists offer two techniques for cataract surgery: laser and traditional. In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon uses micro instruments to perform the procedure.
UT Southwestern Ophthalmology is the first practice in Dallas to offer blade-free, image-guided, laser-assisted cataract surgery. In this procedure, the physician uses computerized laser equipment to perform the incision and other critical stages of the surgery.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery offers potential benefits over traditional surgery, such as:
Not all patients are good candidates for laser-assisted cataract surgery. Our ophthalmologists will discuss which treatment options are best suited for each individual patient.
Any surgical procedure carries a certain risk of complications. Patients should be sure to discuss with their doctors all aspects of the procedure to weigh the risks and benefits of cataract surgery.
Following the removal of the cataract, the surgeon will implant an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There are many lens options available, and no lens is perfect for everyone. Our physicians will help patients choose the best lens based on extensive preoperative testing and discussion with the patient’s about his or her goals for the surgery.
Some patients find that they no longer need glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery with replacement multifocal IOLs in both eyes. Our ophthalmologists will discuss all options with each patient.
Although there is no way to prevent cataracts, research has shown ways to slow down the onset of the condition:
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