A cataract is a common eye condition that often develops with age. It leads to decreased vision quality and can make tasks like driving and reading difficult for affected individuals. At Collins Eye Center, our optometrists help patients identify and manage this condition through eye exams, home care, and surgery. Here is more information about cataracts and how they’re treated:
Understanding Cataracts
Over half of all Americans age 80 or older have either been diagnosed with cataracts or have had surgery to remove them. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy. A normal, clear lens helps focus light onto the retina located at the back of the eye. As the light focuses, it produces sharp images. When cataracts develop, the lens becomes opaque and blocks or scatters the light. This makes the vision blurry, dim, or distorted.
Cataracts develop slowly for many patients. Some individuals may not even know they have them at first. The condition can affect one or both eyes, but it isn’t contagious and can’t spread from one eye to the other. Along with aging and other various conditions, certain medications may also cause cataracts. If left untreated, the condition can lead to a decrease in quality of life.
Identifying Symptoms
Mild cataracts may not show any noticeable symptoms. Subtle changes, such as a slight decrease in visual sharpness or increased sensitivity to glare, can go unnoticed or be attributed to natural aging. As the cataracts grow, the following symptoms may occur:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing faded colors
- Double or halo vision
- Sensitivity to glare or bright lights
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
Individuals experiencing symptoms of cataracts can schedule an appointment with an optometrist at the Collins Eye Center. Our team will perform a simple and painless dilated eye exam to check for cataracts. Once completed, we will be able to recommend a suitable treatment plan and determine whether surgery is needed or not.
Treating Cataracts
Cataract treatment varies depending on the stage of the condition and how much it interferes with daily activities. When determining suitable treatment options, an optometrist will use eye drops to widen the pupils and evaluate the severity of the cataracts. Treatment options range from home management strategies to surgical intervention.
Home Treatment
In the early stages, treatment may focus on managing symptoms and making lifestyle adjustments. This includes using brighter lights to improve visibility when reading and working or wearing anti-glare sunglasses to help with light sensitivity. Hand-held magnifiers or larger text settings on devices can also make reading easier. These steps won’t reverse cataracts, but they help manage symptoms and delay the need for further intervention.
Glasses or Contact Lenses
As cataracts progress, they may start to affect vision enough to require stronger corrective lenses. Prescription glasses or contacts can temporarily improve visual clarity by compensating for the changes caused by the eye disease. An optometrist will update the prescription, which may include adding magnifying or tinted lenses to the treatment plan.
Surgery
Surgery is the only way to fully treat cataracts. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that restores clear vision for nine out of 10 patients. It takes approximately one hour to complete and can help individuals have clearer vision, better color perception, and reduced dependence on corrective lenses.
Visit an Optometrist
Cataracts are a common yet treatable eye condition. Regular eye exams can detect cataracts in their early stages before noticeable vision changes arise. This allows for timely interventions, such as adjusting prescriptions and using specialized lenses to reduce glare. If the cataracts begin to impact vision more severely, an optometrist can recommend the appropriate time for surgery. Schedule an appointment at the Collins Eye Center today to get evaluated for cataracts or other conditions.
