Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affect many people as they age. Luckily, cataract surgery has advanced to be highly effective, safe, and successful. We understand that cataracts can be a frustrating part of the aging process, but we’re here to help improve your vision.
At The Eye Institute of Utah, you have access to some of the most well-known and respected cataract surgeons in the eye care community. Our ophthalmologists and cataract surgeons are all highly experienced and offer the most advanced cataract treatments, including the newest intraocular lens implant (IOL) options.
There is a clear lens in your eye, behind your iris, that focuses light to the retina at the back of the eye, which in turn transmits images to the optic nerve. Vision is crisp and clear when each of these components is working properly. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye hardens and becomes cloudy. This opacity of the lens causes vision problems such as blurry vision and changes in night vision or how you see colors.
The development of cataracts is progressive, with mild symptoms at first, and can advance slowly or quickly to eventually cause clouding of the vision. If left untreated, mild cloudiness in vision can eventually develop into vision loss.
Most cataracts are age-related; congenital cataracts, in which a baby is born with a cataract, are very rare. Eye doctors typically identify three different types of cataracts based on where the clouding of the lens occurs:
I was very impressed with the excellent care and attention I received starting with the front desk, to the technicians who ran tests, and with Dr. Wolsey’s team who prepared me for surgery and those who assisted her in surgery. Dr. Wolsey is outstanding. My results were outstanding and the surgery was easy and comfortable for me. It could not have gone better. I had worried [about] cataract surgery for months and was so surprised at how easy and quick it was. I highly recommend Dr. Wolsey and The Eye Institute [of Utah].
K.S.
Symptoms may vary among individual patients and are often mild or unnoticed in the early stages of a cataract. As cataract formation progresses, they begin to interfere with daily activities.
Blurry or double vision
Trouble seeing/driving at night
Light sensitivity
Seeing halos or glare
Colors may appear dull
Frequent changes to prescriptions for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
Cataracts are part of the natural aging process; they typically begin developing around the age of 55, although their onset varies. 
Trusted Source National Eye Institute. Cataract Data and Statistics. Go to Source The National Eye Institute reports that more than half of all Americans will require cataract treatment by the time they reach 75 years old.1 While cataracts can affect anyone, there are some risk factors that may Trusted Source American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataracts. Go to Source increase your risk of cataracts .2
In the early stages of a cataract, an updated eyeglasses or contact lens prescription may compensate for any visual deterioration. However, this approach does not cure the condition and as a cataract progresses, an increased prescription will no longer be adequate. Cataracts will eventually affect your ability to safely perform everyday tasks, such as driving and cooking, as well as prevent you from enjoying hobbies such as reading, sewing, exercising, art, or gardening. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. The good news is that cataract removal surgery is widely regarded as a safe procedure; it is among the Trusted Source Refractive Surgery Council. Cataract Surgery. Go to Source most frequently performed surgeries and has a very low rate of complications .3
During cataract surgery, your surgeon will replace your clouded natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens implant that can improve your vision and sometimes even eliminate your need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery.
At The Eye Institute of Utah, you can rest assured that our surgeons are widely regarded to be among the most skilled and respected cataract specialists. Any type of surgery carries a range of benefits and risks, and your eye doctor will discuss details with you during a thorough cataract examination prior to surgery. Learn more about cataract surgery, including custom lens options.
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This video details the steps of cataract surgery, available at our cataract treatment facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
EXPERIENCE Our surgeons have performed over 80,000 cataract procedures, and doctors worldwide refer their patients to us for cataract surgery.
KNOWLEDGE Our surgeons have been featured as experts, recognized with awards, and invited to lecture and instruct internationally on cataract surgery.
TECHNOLOGY We were among the first to offer Custom Laser Cataract Surgery in Utah, and we continue involvement in numerous clinical trials that bring advanced technologies to our patients first.
PERSONALIZATION We are proud to serve our community and we take the time to explain all options and help the patient decide what’s best for them. No pressure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts
Age-related cataracts can happen to anyone and you cannot prevent them. However, there are a few things you can do to care for your eye health that may Trusted Source Mayo Clinic. Cataracts. Go to Source slow the progression of cataracts :4
A detailed eye exam is needed to detect a cataract. Your eye doctor will administer a visual acuity test and may use diagnostic tools such as a slit lamp. If you think you may have a cataract and would like to schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our experienced experienced cataract surgeons, contact The Eye Institute at (801) 266-2283.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, offer some coverage for cataract surgery. However, advanced IOLs, which are sometimes called lifestyle lenses, are usually an out-of-pocket expense.
The Eye Institute offers a large variety of intraocular lenses that will help you reduce your need for glasses and contacts. These lenses include presbyopia-correcting and astigmatism-correcting IOLs. Many patients who choose an advanced IOL are able to achieve vision that is better than before they had cataracts. Our eye doctors can help you choose the best lens for your needs.
Sources 1 National Eye Institute. Cataract Data and Statistics. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/eye-health-data-and-statistics/cataract-data-and-statistics. Accessed June30, 2021
2 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataracts. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts#symptoms Accessed June 30, 2021
3 Refractive Surgery Council. Cataract Surgery Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/cataract-surgery/ Accessed July 1, 2021
4 Mayo Clinic. Cataracts. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790 Accessed June 30, 2021
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The Eye Institute of Utah Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.