Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world. They commonly affect both eyes and 60% of those people age 60 and older have at least one cataract. Our Yuma, Arizona, patients are often unaware that they are suffering from cataracts. The progression of cataracts can sometimes take place so slowly that oftentimes people don't even realize that their vision has decreased. Dr. Aiello recommends looking at some of the paintings done by the impressionist painter, Claude Monet, in the late 1880s and early 1900s. Soon after Claude Monet turned 65 in 1905, he developed cataracts. By looking at his paintings over a period of several years, you will notice the result of his decreasing ability to see certain colors as his cataracts progressed. Monet complained of perceiving reds as "muddy, dull pinks" and other objects as yellow, all of which are consistent with the visual effects of cataract progression.
If you have cataracts in at least one eye, you may qualify for a clinical study testing an investigational lens. This lens is designed to provide far vision and may reduce your need for far vision. If you are interested in more information, and have no other eye disease, please contact:
Marlene Aiello at Aiello Eye Institute
(928) 782-1980 ext 3003
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataracts or if you suspect that you have a vision problem, we encourage you to contact the Aiello Eye Insitute today to schedule a consultation. Request an appointment online or call (928) 782-1980 for an eye examination or to learn more about cataract surgery in Yuma, Arizona.
Dr. Aiello's unique combination of compassion and qualifications sets him apart as one of the leading ophthalmologists in the field.
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in your eye. If the eye is compared to a camera, the lens in your eye is equivalent to a camera lens. If you have a dirty camera lens, you will get a poor quality picture. If you have a cataract you will experience a blurred image.
The lens of the eye is made up of water and proteins. The specific proteins of the eye are responsible for maintaining its clarity. Unfortunately, over many years of life, the proteins are altered due to the aging process which leads to the clouding or opacity of the eye lens.
In most cases cataracts are a result of the aging process, but there are some cases in which cataracts can be caused earlier in life. Other causes of cataracts include:
Cataract surgery is a very common procedure, and complications (if any) are rare and treatable. The surgery itself is highly successful in improving the vision of patients about 95% of the time. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. During surgery, the doctor inserts an intraocular lens (IOL), which permanently replaces the natural lens. The doctor will know which lens type is most appropriate for your individual case.
