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Cataracts

Friedberg Eye Associates P.A. -  - Ophthalmologist

Friedberg Eye Associates P.A.

Ophthalmologists & Optometrists located in Woodbury, NJ & Mullica Hill, NJ

Friedberg Eye Associates located in Woodbury, New Jersey and Mullica Hill, New Jersey are Cataract Specialists and can help if you suffer from the visual changes caused by cataracts. We will help you learn about cataract prevention, special eyewear and as a last resort, cataract surgery.

Cataracts Q & A

What are cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, it’s changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the images you see are blurred.

Who is at risk for cataracts?

Aging causes cataracts most often; by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Cataracts can have other causes:

  • Secondary Cataract: Cataracts can form after you’ve had surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who smoke, have a history of steroid use, drink alcohol, have long-term sunlight exposure, or have other health problems, such as diabetes.
  • Traumatic Cataract: An eye injury can cause a cataract to develop immediately or, sometimes, years later.
  • Congenital Cataract: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes.
  • Radiation Cataract: Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

How does a cataract affect vision?

Age-related cataracts progress slowly over many years. Vision changes are gradual as the cataract increases in size. Seeing becomes more difficult and your vision may get duller or blurrier. You may experience glare with bright sunlight or headlights at night and find you need much more light to read. A cataract changes your lens to a yellowish/brownish color, so colors you see will appear more muted. Eventually, blues and purples are hard to identify and white appears more yellowed.

Can I prevent cataracts?

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help delay cataract progression. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataracts. Aim for plenty of green vegetables and fresh fruits to fill up on antioxidants.

What treatments are available for cataracts?

New eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses can improve vision for those experiencing early symptoms of cataracts. In some cases, surgery that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant is the only effective treatment.

Where is cataract surgery performed?

Drs. Howard Friedberg, Andrea Friedberg, Brett Weinstock and Alice Williams perform cataract surgery among other procedures at Surgical Studios in Mullica Hill and Select Surgery Center in Sewell/Washington Township. Our surgeons are board certified, honors society and top doc awards winners and have published articles and taught courses. They are dedicated to providing the highest quality care both in the office and at the surgical centers. Both centers have state-of-the-art equipment and excellent nursing staff.

For more information, check out My Cataracts and this video

Cataracts