What You Need to Know
Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss worldwide; almost 20 million people are blind because of the condition. Many people this of cataracts as alarming, assuming that if they get them, they will become blind. However, advanced cataract surgery can restore lost sight in most cases. In the United States, more than one million cataract surgeries are performed annually. Dr. George F. Hatch Jr. is a highly trained ophthalmologist who offers state-of-the-art cataract surgery
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the transparent part of your eye called the lens. A normally clear lens focuses on light onto the retina, which is located in the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, light cannot pass through to the retina. This can cause blurry vision, dimming, double vision and glare while driving at night.
What causes cataracts?
The aging process is most directly associated with cataracts. As the body ages, the normally transparent lens begins to harden and becomes cloudy. There is increasing evidence that lifelong exposure to UV light contributes to the formation of cataracts. Over half of all people aged 65 and older have some degree of cataract development. In addition, eye injuries, certain medications, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking and high blood pressure may contribute to the formation of cataracts.
Cataract Surgery
Since there is presently no medical treatment to prevent cataracts or reverse them once they develop, the only treatment for cataracts is their surgical removal. Today’s cataract surgery is a marvel of medical technology. Dr. Hatch performs cataract surgery in the comfort and convenience of our fully accredited on-site surgicenter- Billings Cataract & Laser Surgicenter. With this safe and effective procedure, Dr. Hatch will gently remove your cloudy lens to restore bight, clear vision. Cataract surgery is quick and offers a rapid recovery time. In most cases, patients are able to return to work and their normal activities the next day.