Cataracts

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens which can impair vision. Though this ocular issue occurs most commonly in seniors, cataracts can develop at any age. If the clouding severely impairs vision and impacts a patient’s ability to perform everyday activities such as driving and reading, then surgical treatment is recommended.

Risk Factors

The risk factors associated with developing cataracts include:

  • Age
  • Eye injuries
  • Tobacco use
  • Heavy drinking
  • Diabetes
  • Use of steroid medication
  • A family history of cataracts

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts usually form gradually and over a long period of time and display only a few symptoms until they noticeably affect vision. It is important to be aware of such signs, including:

  • Blurry vision
  • Double vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Sudden changes in your eyeglass prescriptions
  • Problems with glare

Cataract Diagnosis

It is very important for patients, especially those above the age of 40, to have regular dilated eye exams at least once every two years. During such vision tests, our optometrists can examine your lens for any signs of cataract formation.

Such vision tests include:

  • A comprehensive health and medical history checkup
  • Analysis of your visual history
  • Visual acuity test
  • Visual field test
  • Thorough eye-examination

Treatment Options

Depending on your cataract symptoms, one of our eye care professionals may recommend managing the condition with an updated prescription to your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

But as your cataracts develop and interfere with your ability to engage in daily activities such as reading and driving, cataract surgery (removing your cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one) is often recommended.


Share This Post:

Related Posts

Common Vision Problems in Seniors and How Regular Eye Exams Can Help

Common Vision Problems in Seniors and How Regular Eye Exams Can Help

Eye Health Matters at Every Age  As we age, our eyes undergo changes that can lead to common vision problems,…

Eye Health Matters at Every Age  As we age, our eyes undergo changes that can lead to common vision problems,…

Choosing the Right Optometrist: What to Look for and Questions to Ask

Choosing the Right Optometrist: What to Look for and Questions to Ask

Finding the right optometrist is essential to ensuring the health of your family's eyes from childhood through…

Finding the right optometrist is essential to ensuring the health of your family's eyes from childhood through…

Digital Eye Strain Solutions: Glasses, Screen Filters, and More

Digital Eye Strain Solutions: Glasses, Screen Filters, and More

In today’s digital world, many of us spend hours each day looking at screens, whether it’s a computer, tablet, or…

In today’s digital world, many of us spend hours each day looking at screens, whether it’s a computer, tablet, or…

Contact Us

Questions? Comments? Call us today at (403) 280-7518 or fill out the form below:

Have Questions? Call Us Today At

Call Us

Book Appointment

TopAboutBlogContact
TopBlogAppointmentContact