Cataract
Dr. Goldsmith and surgical technician Yohannes Dagne in surgery.
The Cataract Service at the Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah is dedicated to excellence in both the consultation and treatment of all types of cataracts. Our cataract surgeons use state-of-the-art equipment and have experience with complicated cataract cases. This helps ensure exacting diagnosis and best practices in medical and surgical care.
In addition, the Moran Eye Center is one of the leading centers worldwide in the evaluation of intra-ocular lenses which are placed in the eye following cataract surgery. We conduct ongoing basic and clinical research on new types of intra-ocular lenses, including lenses that will allow both near and distance vision as well as adjustable power lenses and lenses for exceptionally strong vision correction.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that causes loss of vision.
Photo of a cataract.
What causes it?
The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil and adjusts the eye’s focus. As we age, some of the protein in our eyes may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens.
When are you most likely to have a cataract?
People can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision.
What are its symptoms?
A cataract starts out small. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass. You may also notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before.
Left: Normal vision
Right: Cataract
How is a cataract detected?
The only way to know for sure is by having an eye examination.
How is a cataract treated?
It is treated with surgery. Your eye care professional will remove your clouded lens and, in most cases, replace it with a clear plastic lens.
What can you do to protect your vision?
If you are over age 60, you should have an eye examination at least once every two years. This exam should include dilating your pupils. If you have a family history of an eye disease, perhaps a yearly examination is indicated. Wear UV protective sunglasses.
Doctors
Alan S. Crandall, M.D.
Jason Goldsmith, M.D.
Bradley J. Katz, M.D., Ph.D.
Nick Mamalis, M.D.
Mark D. Mifflin, M.D.
Majid Moshirfar, M.D.
Geoffrey Tabin, M.D.
Norman A. Zabriskie, M.D.
Services
- Consultation in medical and surgical treatment of all types of cataracts
- Cataract evaluation and treatment for all age groups including pediatric patients
- High risk or complicated cataracts
- Cataract surgery
- Consultation regarding all types of intra-ocular lens problems
- Consultation and surgical repair of traumatic injuries