What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye, which is normally clear. The eye disease can cause vision to become blurry and make everyday activities difficult, such as reading, driving a vehicle, or even seeing people’s faces clearly.
Cataract Symptoms
When most cataract first develop, it may only affect a small area of your eye, and you may not experience noticeable symptoms. However, as the cataract grows, symptoms of cataracts may become more apparent, including:
- Blurred vision.
- Vision loss.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Difficulty seeing at night.
- Seeing “halos” around lights.
- Double vision in one eye.
- Needing a brighter light in order to read.
Risk Factors of Developing Cataracts
Cataract formation often occurs when an injury, aging, certain eye conditions, or past eye surgery change the tissues that make up the eye’s lens. The lens will begin to break down, resulting in a clouded lens or blurry vision. You may have an increased risk of developing cataracts if you have diabetes, smoke, are obese, have high blood pressure, have partaken in prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, have gone through eye trauma (traumatic cataracts), and more. Congenital cataracts can also be present at birth. Be sure to speak with your eye doctor about any concerns you may have regarding your risk of cataracts.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. The process typically includes the following:
Medical History & Symptom Review
The eye doctor first asks about your symptoms, including blurry vision, glare, halos around lights, faded colors, or frequent eyeglass or contact lens prescription changes. We will also review your medical history and any risk factors.
Visual Acuity Test
You read letters on an eye chart at various distances. This measures how clearly you see and helps identify any vision loss.
Slit-Lamp Examination
A special microscope with a bright light lets the doctor examine the structures of your eye, including the lens, in detail. It can reveal clouding or opacities characteristic of cataracts.
Dilated Eye Exam
Eye drops are used to widen (dilate) your pupils, giving the doctor a clearer view of the lens and the back of the eye. This is one of the most important steps for confirming a cataract’s presence, size, and location.
Tonometry
Eye pressure is measured to check for glaucoma, which can co-exist with cataracts.
Retinal Exam
The doctor examines the retina to rule out other causes of vision problems, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Cataract Treatment Options/Cataract Surgery
While cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment option, it may not be the right approach for everyone right away. Most individuals with cataracts will not need surgery until the cataracts begin to greatly inhibit their vision. However, if you begin avoiding everyday activities such as reading or driving, your doctor will likely recommend surgery.
During surgery, the clouded cataract natural lens will be removed, and a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens) will take its place. There are a number of ways to remove a cataract, including using an ultrasound probe to break up the lens for removal, or making an incision in the eye and removing the lens in one piece. Your doctor will choose which option they prefer. Overall, this procedure takes an hour or less to perform.
There are also some steps that you can take to support your overall eye health if you are diagnosed with cataracts, including:
- Schedule annual eye exams.
- Make sure that your contact lens or eyeglass prescriptions are up-to-date.
- Protect your eyes from UV light with sunglasses.
- Quit smoking.
- Take the proper steps to care for health problems such as diabetes.
Schedule Your Free Eye Health Consultation Today
Are you experiencing symptoms associated with cataracts? If so, contact Advanced Eye Surgeons today to schedule an appointment for timely diagnosis and treatment.
CONTACT US
If you have a question or would like to schedule an appointment, please fill out and submit our online form.
Related Blogs
How Aging Affects the Eyes
Eye Conditions Eye Protection and Prevention
“Everyone deserves to witness the beauty of our world in its full glory.”