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Cataracts occur as a natural function of time. It is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens. The result over time is that of generalized blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens. There are many types and causes of cataracts, and cataract removal is a highly effective and safe procedure.

Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts develop from a variety of reasons, including long term exposure to UV light and radiation, as secondary effects of such medical conditions as diabetes and hypertension, as a side effect of certain medications such as steroids, and as a result of an ocular injury. A person may also be born with congenital cataracts. But the most common cause of cataracts is advanced age. As we age, the proteins that make up our lenses break down and bind together in clusters that obscure the lens. This process progressively impairs vision as the affected area becomes larger and larger.

Types of Cataracts

In general, there are three types of cataracts: A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high hyperopia (farsightedness), or those taking steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract. A nuclear cataract is the most common type and forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, due to advanced aging. A cortical cataract forms in the lens cortex, and gradually extends its spokes from the outside to the center. People with diabetes may develop cortical cataracts.

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

As cataracts develop, vision becomes cloudy and there is a gradual loss of visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity and color vision are also affected, and glare can be problematic as light is scattered by the cataract into the eye. In the early stages of cataract formation, you may require more frequent changes in your glasses prescription as cataracts alter your vision. If you suspect that you may be developing cataracts, consult a cataract surgeon for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Groundbreaking advances in laser vision correction offer individuals a highly effective and successful way to treat their nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Over the last decade, laser vision correction with LASIK and ASA has helped more than 16 million people worldwide achieve visual independence from glasses and contact lenses. Thanks to new advances in laser technology, LASIK and ASA offer a solution for people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism with unprecedented safety and unsurpassed clarity and visual results. LASIK corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by permanently reshaping the tissue of the cornea. LASIK surgery involves two steps: the creation of a corneal flap using a femtosecond laser called the Intralase and the reshaping of the cornea using a "cool" light from an excimer laser. This procedure is also commonly refered to as "all-laser" LASIK. Studies have shown that this advanced form of LASIK provides a degree of accuracy that is unparalleled and visual results that exceed that of older technologies. Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is a technologically enhanced version of traditional PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). It refers to the treatment of the surface of the eye using modernized eye tracking Wavefront™ guided excimer lasers. Similar to LASIK, ASA treats myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The defining difference between LASIK and ASA is the flap. With ASA, the superficial layer of cells on the cornea are gently removed before the laser is applied; no flap is created. Certain patients are better candidates for this procedure due to the shape of their eyes, making ASA a safe and equally effective alternative to LASIK. A major advance in laser vision correction in recent years has been the use of Wavefront™-guided "Custom" treatments. The principle behind Custom LASIK and Custom ASA is that, like fingerprints, no two eyes are alike. Therefore, a personalized treatment plan is formulated for each patient based on the unique Wavefront™ aberrations found in their eyes. The result? Highly detailed information that translates to groundbreaking precision and improved night vision. Before the advent of Custom LASIK and Custom ASA, traditional forms of LASIK and PRK were unable to correct these minute aberrations which sometimes led to visual imperfections. Now, each individual's unique set aberrations are precisely treated. Consequently, the majority of patients who undergo Custom LASIK and Custom ASA achieve 20/20 vision or better, and further report a significant improvement in day and night time vision. Coupled with Intralase®, Custom Wavefront™ LASIK and Custom Wavefront™ ASA have produced unrivaled visual sharpness and clarity. To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK or ASA, contact Texan Eye today for a Refractive Surgery Consultation.