What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common byproduct of the normal aging process, impacting over half of those aged 65 and older. As cataracts progress, vision becomes increasingly impaired. In its advanced stages a cataract may interfere with driving, watching movies, reading, and countless other activities that bring joy and meaning.

If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. The only treatment is cataract surgery, where the hazy lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), for clear vision and an improved quality of life.

What Causes Cataracts?

A cataract develops when protein starts to build up on the eye’s natural lens. As the lens becomes clouded, the amount of light reaching the retina is reduced. As the cataract progresses vision becomes blurry, leading to a sensation of looking through a dirty glass. One may also experience halos around bright lights, especially when driving.

Not all cataracts develop at the same pace, and certain risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, and excessive alcohol use, can accelerate their development.

Symptoms of Cataracts

• Blurred vision
• Glare or halos around bright lights
• Faded colors
• Reduction or loss of depth perception
• Difficulty seeing at night or in dim light
• Frequent prescription changes

How Are Cataracts Treated?

The only treatment option is surgery. In the advanced stages of cataracts, the clouded lens is removed surgically and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). This is a quick and relatively painless procedure with a short recovery time.

There are several types of surgical procedures to remove cataracts, using various types of lenses and technology.

Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

Research shows that four powerful nutrients, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin, can delay the onset and even decrease the risk of developing cataracts. These may protect against free radicals that attack the lenses of the eyes and contribute to cataract formation.

To preserve eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts, you’ll want to consume foods high in antioxidants and avoid processed, fried and junk foods.

Consult Dr. Bruce Butts to learn about nutrition’s role in avoiding cataracts and which other steps you can take to maintain eye health.

Why Choose Calgary Trail Vision Centre

If you experience any of the symptoms above and suspect you may have cataracts, please get in touch.

Dr. Bruce Butts will assess your eyesight, your cataract and your physical health in our comfortable and well-equipped consulting rooms. If your deteriorating vision is affecting your work, hobbies or general well-being, our highly-trained and experienced Dr. Bruce Butts will surgically replace the cloudy lens and restore clear vision.

Cataract surgery at Calgary Trail Vision Centre is carried out in our ophthalmic operating rooms, fully equipped with advanced technology designed for the best clinical outcome and your safety. The operation is generally performed under local anaesthesia and only takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Our practice serves patients from Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Leduc , and South Edmonton Region, Alberta and surrounding communities.

PanOptix® IOL

A cataract clouds the eye’s natural lens, making vision blurry or hazy. Eventually, the natural lens will need to be replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that provides clear vision.

While most patients pick monofocal IOLs, trifocal IOL lenses are becoming increasingly popular. Speak with your [eye_ doctor] to determine which type of IOL is right for you.

What Is a PanOptix Trifocal Lens?

The Alcon PanOptix Trifocal IOL provides sharp, clear vision for people who want to be able to see things that are near, far, and everything in-between. The lenses allow you to read, use a computer, drive and see clearly in the distance.

Although Alcon PanOptix Trifocal lenses are often implanted during cataract surgery, they can also be an effective solution for a variety of eye conditions other than cataracts. For example, people with blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea or high myopia can also benefit from having these IOLs surgically implanted.

Are PanOptix Trifocal Lenses Right for You?

PanOptix Trifocal lenses not only provide near, intermediate, and far vision, but they’re made with ultraviolet and blue light filtering material to protect your eyes from sunlight, as well as the blue light and glare emitted by digital screens.

A major benefit of PanOptix Trifocal IOLs is that they can provide sharper intermediate and close vision, making reading, mobile phone and computer use much easier, usually without needing reading glasses.

Although these lenses have clear advantages, they may not be appropriate for everyone. Some patients say it takes longer to adapt to trifocal lenses than to monofocal lenses. Contact Calgary Trail Vision Centre to discover whether these lenses are right for you.

Q: Does the PanOptix Lens address presbyopia?

• A: Yes, the PanOptix Lens is made to help those with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) a condition that makes closeby objects appear blurry. By addressing presbyopia, you may be able to minimize or even eliminate the need for reading glasses.

Q: Does the PanOptix Lens correct astigmatism?

• A: Yes, a toric version of the PanOptix Lens is available to correct astigmatism. Toric lenses improve vision and eliminate distortion caused by astigmatism. They might even be able to help you get rid of, or at least reduce your reliance on, distance vision glasses and contacts.

Our practice serves patients from Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Leduc , and South Edmonton Region, Alberta and surrounding communities.