lee eye institute

Facts about Cataracts

The Facts about Cataracts

By: Dr. Neah Patel, MD, FACS
board certified & fellowship trained
ophthalmologist in oculoplastic surgery

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens should be clear and its function is to
focus light on the eye so vision can occur. Most often, cataracts are related to aging changes,
but can also occur with trauma, medications or can even be congenital. Some symptoms of
cataracts are blurry vision, loss of color intensity, and glare. People can complain of trouble
driving at night, needing more light to see up close, and trouble with reading. When the cataract
starts impairing vision, it is removed with cataract surgery. In this surgery, the natural crystalline
lens is replaced with a new lens that can usually correct vision to see distance without glasses.

Why do people need eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is performed to correct eyelid malpositions like droopy upper lids, droopy lower
lids, and eyelid lesions. When droopy lids affect peripheral vision or cause irritation to the
eye, surgery is performed on the eyelids to correct the problem. People complain needing to
lift excess skin to see better or feeling a heaviness sitting on the eyelids. Many times eyelid
surgery is done in the office and is most often a medically necessary procedure.

Is all Eyelid Surgery Considered Cosmetic Surgery?

No! In fact, most eyelid procedures are medically necessary because of eyelid malposition.
Eyelid malposition means droopy upper lids that obstruct vision, droopy lower lids that leads to
tearing, or eyelids that turn in or turn out and cause eye irritation. Eyelid surgery can also be
done for suspicious lesions on the skin or for blocked tear ducts. Many procedures can be done
within the office. People often complain of needing to lift excess skin to see better or feeling a
heaviness sitting on the eyelids.