Expert Cataract Treatment in Salt Lake City

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.
 

What are Cataracts?

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.

Normal Lens

Lens Affected by Cataracts

Types of Cataracts

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:

  • A nuclear cataract has developed in the middle of the lens
  • A cortical cataract has developed around the edge of the lens
  • A subcapsular cataract has developed at the back of the lens

Symptoms of Cataracts

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.

cloudy vision icon

Blurry or double vision

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Trouble seeing/driving at night

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Light sensitivity

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Seeing halos or glare

dull vision icon

Colors may appear dull

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Frequent changes to prescriptions for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses

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What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts are part of the natural aging process; they typically begin developing around the age of 55, although their onset varies. Trusetd Source Checkbox 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 Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataracts. Go to Source increase your risk of cataracts .2

Cataract Risk Factors

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • History of eye injuries
  • Family history of cataracts or other eye diseases
  • Frequent exposure to sunlight or UV light
  • Regular use of certain medication such as oral steroids

Treatment for Cataracts

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 Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Refractive Surgery Council. Cataract Surgery. Go to Source most frequently performed surgeries and has a very low rate of complications .3

Cataract Surgery

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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Informed Consent for Cataract Surgery

To learn what to expect as you prepare for, undergo, and recover from cataract surgery, we invite you to watch this informed consent video produced by the team at The Eye Institute of Utah. Here, we also discuss insurance coverage, risks, and potential complications associated with cataract surgery.

Should you have additional questions about cataract surgery, please contact us to speak with an experienced member of our team.

Why Choose The Eye Institute of Utah For Cataract Treatment?

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

Can I prevent 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 Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Mayo Clinic. Cataracts. Go to Source slow the progression of cataracts :4

  • Wear sunglasses that shield ultraviolet light whenever you are outside
  • Eat a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants
  • Have annual eye exams

 

How is a Cataract detected?

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.
 

Does insurance cover cataract treatment?

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.
 

What are the advanced IOLs available and what will they do for me?

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.

Trused Source Icon - Checkbox 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.