What is a cataract?

A cataract is formed when the natural lens of the eye, responsible for focusing light and producing sharp images, becomes cloudy and hardens, resulting in a loss of visual function. The lens of the eye is clear at birth, but is one of the first parts of the body to show the effects of aging. A cataract is painless and usually develops gradually over several months or years. Normally, the onset of a cataract in one or both eyes may cause decreased night vision, impaired depth perception, and increased color distortion.

Who is affected?

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 55 and older. In fact, poor vision from cataracts affects 60 percent of all adults over age 60. However, cataracts affect all ages as they also can result from injury, heredity, or medications.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

There is no single, valid, objective test that indicates the presence of an operable cataract. Dr. Braverman, an experienced Ft. Lauderdale / Miami cataracts specialist, analyzes patient symptoms, performs a comprehensive eye exam and may test for glare disability and contrast sensitivity to make a diagnosis. The final decision to proceed with the surgery lies with the patient.

How are cataracts treated?

Your optometrist or Dr. Braverman may prescribe glasses, medication or surgery depending on the symptoms, complaints and age of the patient. Usually no surgery is recommended until glasses no longer work to make you visually happy.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract Surgery is the removal of your cloudy natural lens. Your cloudy natural lens is usually dissolved using high frequency ultrasound through less than a 3 millimeter opening. An artificial lens is then implanted. The surgery continues to improve with such recent developments as no-stitch surgery, topical anesthesia, surgical correction of astigmatism and new upgraded lens designs. It takes a few months for the eye to heal completely, but the patient is able to return to normal activity almost immediately after surgery and usually sees well within days.

How successful is cataract surgery?

If an eye is otherwise healthy, cataract surgery has an overall success rate of over 98%. Continuous innovations in cataract surgery allow cataract surgeons to treat greater numbers of patients with every passing year.

How does cataract surgery improve quality of life?

Cataract surgery has provided improved quality of life for millions of Americans by increasing their independence through improved vision – the ability to see!!