A
cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens inside the
eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or "fogged" with
steam. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens
can vary from person to person. Patients with cloudiness that
is not near the center of the lens may not be aware that a
cataract is present.
Common symptoms of cataract include:
* A painless
blurring of vision
* Glare, or light sensitivity
* Frequent glasses prescription changes
* Double vision in one eye
* Needing brighter light to read
* Poor night vision
* Fading or yellowing of colors
The most
common type of cataract occurs because of the aging of the
eye.
Other causes of cataract include:
* Family
history
* Medical problems, such as diabetes
* Injury to the eye
* Medications, such as steroids
* Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
* Previous eye surgery |
The
presence and extent of a cataract can be detected during a
thorough eye examination by your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
The rate of development of the cataract varies among individuals,
and may vary even between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated
with aging, progress gradually over a period of years. Other
cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes,
may progress rapidly over a few months and cause a more dramatic
worsening of vision.
Surgery
is the only way your ophthalmologist can remove a cataract.
However, if symptoms from a cataract are mild, a change of
glasses may be all that is needed for you to function more
comfortably. There are no medications, dietary supplements,
exercises, or optical devices that have been proven to prevent
or cure cataracts. Cataract surgery should only be considered
when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with
daily activities. Based on your symptoms, you and your eye
doctor should decide together when surgery is appropriate.
See No-Stitch Cataract Surgery
Cataracts
are a common cause of poor vision, especially in those over
65 years old, but they are treatable. The ophthalmologists
and optometrists at The Eye Care Center are available by appointment
to perform thorough eye examinations that will detect the
presence and extent of cataracts, as well as any other conditions
that might be causing impaired vision. |
