For people with a ripe cataract, it is like trying to see through a waterfall. Although you might think you have a cataract, the only way to know for sure is by having an eye examination. Should your eye care professional find one, he or she can monitor it and advise you about any future treatment. It is treated with surgery. Your eye care professional will remove your clouded lens and, in most cases, replace it with a clear, plastic lens.
Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision.
It is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States, with over 1.5 million cataract surgeries done each year. If your eye care professional finds a cataract, you may not need cataract surgery for several years. In fact, you might never need cataract surgery. By having your vision tested regularly, you and your eye care professional can discuss if and when you might need treatment. Most of these studies focus on controlling cataract with drugs so that surgery will not be needed.