What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a hard and cloudy area that forms on the lens. It develops when the proteins in the eye start to clump, preventing the lens from focusing clear images on the retina. This results in distorted electrical signals reaching the brain, causing cloudy vision.

Cataracts develop slowly and may eventually interfere with vision, affecting the quality of life and even causing partial or total blindness. This condition is common in older people but can also affect children and young adults.

Prevention of cataracts is possible through regular eye examinations. Cataracts can also be treated by removing them through a surgical procedure. Ophthalmology Associates of Staten Island offers both prevention and cataract surgery services. By replacing the cloudy lens with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), it’s possible to restore your vision and get you back to your everyday life.

staten island cataract surgery

Types of Cataracts

Cataracts affect people of all ages and are classified based on how and where they develop in the eye. Cataracts affecting children at birth or during the first year are called congenital cataracts.

Below are the other types of cataracts:

Secondary cataracts are those caused by medications or diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma.
Cortical cataracts – they form around the edges of the nucleus and are often wedged-shaped. 
Nuclear cataracts – form in the middle of the lens with a distinct yellow or brown color.
Traumatic cataracts – form as a result of an injury to the eye, often years after the incident.
Radiation cataracts – form after exposure to radiation treatment for cancer.
Posterior capsular cataract – they form at the back of the lens.

Cataracts Symptoms

Regardless of the type of cataract one develops, some symptoms are common and easy to identify. These include:

  • Seeing halos around lights.
  • Sensitivity to bright light, including sunlight, headlights, and lamps.
  • Seeing colors as faded or yellowish.
  • Blurred, clouded, or dim vision.
  • Double vision in one eye.
  • Increased difficulty with vision at night.
  • Frequent changes in contact lens or eyeglass prescription.

Once cataracts begin to develop, some people will display symptoms common with other eye problems. For example, needing brighter lights to read or having on-and-off headaches due to eye strain. Either way, regular eye examinations can help identify cataracts before they interfere with your vision.

Cataracts Causes and Risk Factors

Besides aging, below are the other factors that cause or speed up the breakdown of eye proteins in the lens. They include:

  • Overproduction of oxidants – these are free radicals formed when oxygen molecules in the body are chemically altered due to the everyday metabolic processes. These chemicals may harm your eye.
  • Frequent and excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Long-term use of steroids and hormones-altering medications such as corticosteroids. 
  • Underlying diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
  • Exposure to physical injuries or previous eye surgery.
  • Lifestyle issues, e.g., smoking, heavy alcohol use, and obesity. 
  • Radiation therapy. 
  • Genetics – family history of cataracts.



Are you a new Patient?

Please print out and complete our new patient forms. Bring these forms with you to your first appointment.

What You Should Know Before Considering a Cataract Surgery

According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of Americans have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery by the time they are 80 years old. If cataracts have affected your day-to-day activities such as reading, driving, walking, or doing any form of work, your doctor will recommend a surgical procedure.

Whether you are struggling with an undiagnosed vision problem or just looking for routine eye care, Ophthalmology Associates of Staten Island has got you covered. Feel free to contact or visit our office for consultation or a comprehensive eye exam.