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Eye exams are recommended periodically, with the interval differing for various age groups.  In the first three years of infancy, a child should have vision checked along with normal pediatric checkups.  Between the ages of three and six (the most crucial period of eye development) an eye exam should be scheduled every year or two.  After that period, until adulthood, exams should be scheduled as necessary.  During the twenties one should have at least one exam.  During the thirties one should have at least two exams.  In the forties, fifties, and early sixties, one should schedule an exam every two to four years.  For seniors, an exam every year or two is recommended.

In addition to these basic guidelines, people with a family history of eye problems, those monitoring a diagnosed eye disease, or those with certain high risk diseases such as diabetes, it is recommended that exams should be performed at least once a year.  Regular eye exams are the best way to keep you seeing your world clearly.

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Any abnormal phenomena or changes in your vision can indicate a variety of possible problems.  The key to preserving vision in the face of most eye diseases is early treatment.  Thus it is important to consult an ophthalmologist if you notice anything unusual or any change in your vision.  It could be a serious problem, or it could be inconsequential, but the peace of mind and the possibility of catching a serious problem early are certainly worth it.

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Many serious eye diseases often have little or no symptoms until they are well developed.  The only way to diagnose a problem early in such a case is to schedule periodic eye exams.  This is the best way to preserve the clearest vision possible for life.

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A:

A cataract is opacification and cloudiness of the natural lens of the eye. The lens is the structure in the eye which puts images in focus on the retina. When you are young, the lens is clear and transparent. As one ages, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque. This causes a decline in visual acuity and can lead to glare, halos, difficulty with night driving, and diffuculty in reading. Vision is not clear and the eyes can feel strained and tired.

The primary cause of cataracts is aging, but cataracts can be associated with other medical diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and other system processes. Steroids and other medications can also cause cataract formation.

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The only way to treat a cataract is to remove it. There are no medications which remove cataracts. During a cataract procedure, your surgeon will make a microscopic incision into the eye. The cataract is then removed via ultrasound phacoemulsification. A new lens is inserted in the same place as the old lens to provide clear, crisp, focused vision. Depending upon the type of procedure and the health of your eye, you may or may not need glasses after your cataract surgery.

Modern day cataract surgery is a 10 to 15 minute procedure done in an outpatient surgery center. You go home the same day. There are no stitches placed and there is minimal downtime after the procedure.

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There is no pain associated with the cataract procedure.  Local anesthesia is used on the cornea, which is administered through eye drops.  Some patients may experience mild discomfort or mild pressure.  After the procedure, patients may experience minor irritation or dryness in the eye.  This should fade within a day or two.

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An intraocular lens is used during cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens. The new lens is a synthetic foldable lens which is placed into the capsular bag which contained the cataractous lens. The intraocular lens unfolds into place and vision is restored.

There are several types of intraocular lenses. Monofocal lenses give you single vision, either near or far. Toric lenses correct any astigmatism which may be found in the eye. Multifocal lenses give you both near and far vision.

Monofocal lenses are fully covered by your insurance company during cataract surgery. Toric and multifocal lenses are not covered by  insurance, and there will generally be out an out of pocket cost for these.