The following are frequently asked questions about cataract surgery:

What is a cataract?

In simple terms, a cataract is a "clouding" of the lens in your eye. The lens, located just behind the iris (the colored part of your eye), works like the lens of a camera. It picks up images, then focuses the lights, colors and shapes on the retina - the transmitter located on the back of the eye that sends the images to your brain.

The lens is made up mostly of protein and water. Eye injury, certain diseases and even some medications can cause clouding of the lens to occur. But in more than 90 percent of cases (according to Ophthalmology Magazine, 2000), clouding is caused by the natural aging process. A cataract can be why sharp images become blurred; seeing at night is more difficult, and why eyeglasses and contacts don't seem to help you read or perform everyday tasks.

What is the treatment for cataracts?

A cataract is not a film over the eye, and neither diet nor lasers will make it go away. The best way is remove the old, clouded lens and replace it with a new one. This is accomplished via outpatient cataract surgery.

Millions of Americans undergo cataract surgery each year. A tiny incision is made in the eye. Through this incision, the surgeon inserts an ultrasonic probe. About the size of a pen, the probe breaks the cloudy lens into pieces. Then, the same probe vacuums the tiny pieces out of the eye during a process called phacoemulsification or phaco. Once the capsule has been emptied of the clouded lens, the next step is to replace it by implanting an artificial lens.

What type of lens does Dr. Whitsett use?

Thanks to the latest advances in technology and materials, many artificial lens - also called IOLs or intraocular lenses) - have significant clinical advantages over previous lens models.

Dr. Whitsett prefers the ACRYSOF Single-Piece IOL. This is the only lens crafted entirely from ACRYSOF acrylic - a soft, flexible material that was developed specifically for use as an IOL. The material behaves well in the eye, contributing to excellent long-term results. Also, the ACRYSOF Single-Piece IOL is designed to conform to the natural shape of the lens capsule which helps it stay stable and centered in the eye.

Where does Dr. Whitsett perform cataract surgery?

Dr. Whitsett utilizes West Houston Surgicare, 970 Campbell, just south of Interstate 10 and minutes from his office.