Question 1

What is a cataract?

Accepted Answer

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, usually because of age. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way and it keeps the lens clear, allowing light to pass through it. As we age, the eye’s natural lens clouds, making it more difficult to see. The cloudy lens (cataract) is then replaced surgically with a new intraocular lens to provide clear vision.

Question 2

How is a cataract treated?

Accepted Answer

A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

Cloudy or blurry vision.
Colors may look faded.
Glare or halo around lights. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright.
Poor night vision.
Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Question 4

Who is at risk for a cataract?

Accepted Answer

The risk of cataracts increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:

Diabetes
Hypertension
Smoking or significant alcohol consumption
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources
Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications

Question 5

When should I consider cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

When the ability to perform normal activities, like reading or driving, is compromised, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Initial cataract symptoms can usually be managed with a stronger prescription for glasses. Getting cataract surgery is recommended when your quality of life becomes affected.

If you have developed a cataract, we’d like to help you understand the options available to you. With our advanced Precision Refractive Cataract Surgery technologies, your cataract(s) can be removed and your nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and Presbyopia (loss of reading vision) can be corrected.

Question 6

Will I be able to see immediately after cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

You will see after the procedure but it could take anywhere from 2 days to 3 weeks for your vision to stabilize. It is not unusual to have blurry vision for a few days after your surgery, as your eye is healing.

Question 7

Does OHIP cover cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Cataract surgery is routinely and safely performed by Herzig Eye Institute surgeons in hospital and is covered by OHIP. At Herzig Eye Institute, we offer the option of Precision Refractive Cataract Surgery. With new advancements in refractive cataract surgery and premium intraocular lens options, many cataract patients can have better vision after Precision Refractive Cataract Surgery than they had before they developed a cataract.

Herzig Eye Institute does not charge for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). We are in compliance with Ministry of Health guidelines, and fully protect access to insured health care services. For more information, visit the Government of Ontario’s website.

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