Why do we get cataracts?
There are many reasons that you may develop a cataract. The natural reason is prolonged or long-term exposure to ultraviolet light like the sun. This is the reason that they are so common as a part of the natural aging process. Cataract formation may also start and progress at a more rapid rate if you have diabetes, a positive family history of cataracts, or if you have a history of taking certain medications. Eye injuries or a history of eye surgery can also cause cataract formation.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Early cataracts may not cause any changes in your vision. The first changes that are often noticed are glare or halos around bright lights, especially at night. Other symptoms may be blurred vision that progressively worsens with age, a decrease of vision in bright sunlight, trouble distinguishing or washed-out colors, a change in your glasses prescription, or even complete loss of vision.
How are cataracts treated?
Unfortunately, there are currently no medical treatments for cataracts. Once they form and begin to affect your vision, the only effective method of treatment is surgery to remove the cataract and replace it with a new, artificial lens.
Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in America. The advances in surgical techniques have made cataract surgery a safe and effective method of restoring vision lost by cataracts.
During cataract surgery, the cataract is removed through two small incisions made in the cornea. Sound waves are used to break the lens into smaller pieces so that they can be vacuumed out through the small incisions that are made. After the lens is completely removed, a new implant lens is placed in the eye where the old lens was located. Typically there are no stitches required to close the eye after the procedure and the patient will return home the same day.
If you have been told you have cataracts or if you have any of the symptoms mentioned here please call and make an appointment for an eye exam today!
