Cataracts are a part of the natural aging process that happens within the eye. Since everyone will eventually develop them, it’s important to equip yourself with knowledge ahead of time.
Keep reading to learn five things to know about cataracts!
What Is A Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens, which is located inside the eye behind the pupil, is typically transparent.
Its job is to focus light so it lands on your retina, which allows you to experience sharp vision at different ranges. As you grow older, proteins inside the lens begin to break down.
These proteins eventually begin to stick together. Eventually, the clumps become big enough to block and distort the light as it travels through the lens.
This can significantly impact your vision, depending on the severity.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cataracts?
As your cataracts grow and worsen, you will experience different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts are:
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Noticeably worse vision at night
- Halos appearing around light fixtures
- Frequent prescription lens changes
- Double vision
- Colors appearing faded or yellow
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
The best way to know whether you are experiencing cataract symptoms or not is to visit your eye doctor for a cataract evaluation. During this appointment, you will be tested and examined in several ways to see if you are developing cataracts.
First, your eye doctor will test your vision. You will read a chart of increasingly smaller letters from a set distance.
They will be able to understand how well you can see by determining how far down the chart you are able to read. Your eye doctor will also examine your eyes using an instrument called a slit lamp.
This is a special microscope that allows them to get a closer look at your eyes, including your lens. Your eye doctor will also want to dilate your eyes to perform a retinal exam.
Besides looking at the retina, dilation helps your eye doctor determine how severe or advanced your cataracts are.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
The only way to effectively treat cataracts and restore vision is to have cataract surgery. This procedure involves removing the entire lens and replacing it with an artificial one.
These lenses are called IOLs, short for intraocular lenses. Depending on the IOL you choose, you may be able to reduce your dependence on visual aids after the procedure.
While standard IOLs only correct one range of vision, premium IOLs can do much more. Premium IOLs can allow you to see near, far, and intermediate distances.
They can even correct pre-existing nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism!
Can You Prevent Cataracts?
Cataracts are a natural part of aging. However, cataract surgery is a very safe and effective procedure that can restore your vision.
The entire procedure is short, and you can go home the same day. Depending on your IOL choice, you may even be able to have a greater quality of life with more visual freedom after the procedure.
Do you want to learn more about cataracts? Schedule an appointment at Simone Eye Center in Warren, MI, today!
