Cataracts, Eye Care, and More - Smithtown, Long Island

Cataracts are the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. People who suffer from cataracts often experience a blurring or dimming of vision, which can dramatically affect quality of life. Cataracts can also cause glare, loss of depth perception, halos around lights at night, and difficulty reading or driving. In severe cases, cataracts may cause pain, redness, discomfort, and even blindness. They often occur in older adults, although they can affect the vision of anyone, at any age.

The cause of cataracts remains uncertain; however, there are certain risk factors associated with cataracts, including age (most Americans over the age of 60 have cataracts), medical conditions (such as diabetes), injury to the eye, ultraviolet radiation (sunlight), oral steroids or other medications, and smoking.

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

There are several symptoms associated with cataracts, including:

  • Cloudy or fuzzy vision
  • Difficulty driving at night because headlights are too bright
  • Problems with glare from lamps or the sun (halos)
  • Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
  • Double vision
  • Changes in the perception of colors

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of cataracts, you should contact us in Smithtown (located on Long Island) immediately for a comprehensive eye care consultation.

How are cataracts treated?

When cataracts are detected early, vision may often be improved with corrective lenses. If these measures do not help, removal of the cataract may be recommended. If left untreated, the cataract may continue to grow. The doctors at North Shore Eye Care perform advanced cataract surgery without painful injections or stitches. Our cataract procedure typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes, and patients return to the comfort of their home the very same day!

The most common cataract surgery technique is phacoemulsification or "phaco." During this procedure, which is performed with a sedative and a topical anesthetic, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. Next, a small probe is inserted through the opening in the cornea and the cataract is broken up and gently suctioned out. Once the damaged lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. Stitches are rarely needed to close the incision, so there is less discomfort and faster recovery of vision than with other surgical techniques.

Your vision may be blurry following surgery, but many patients can return to life's activities almost immediately. It is important to schedule follow-up visits with us so we can evaluate your progress.

The doctors at North Shore Eye Care are experts at removing cataracts. Call us in Smithtown, located on Long Island - to schedule your personal eye care appointment.

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