Cataracts are an eye condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and this cloudiness can interfere with daily activities. Understanding cataracts and the available treatment options is beneficial for anyone experiencing vision changes or who has been diagnosed with this condition. Here is more information on this condition, what causes it, and how a cataracts specialist can help:
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye’s lens begin to break down and clump together, creating cloudy areas that block light from passing through clearly. The lens sits behind the iris and pupil, and it focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When cataracts form, they prevent light from reaching the retina properly, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. A cataracts specialist can detect early signs during routine eye examinations and provide effective treatment options.
What Causes Them?
Age is the most common cause of cataracts, as the proteins in the lens naturally break down over time. Other factors can accelerate the development of cataracts or cause them to form earlier in life. These include prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, certain medications, and medical conditions such as diabetes. Eye injuries, previous eye surgeries, and genetic factors also contribute to cataract formation.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of cataracts vary depending on the size and location of the cloudy area in the lens. Common symptoms include blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to light and glare. Colors may appear faded or yellowed, and some people experience double vision in one eye.
Some patients may notice that their prescription for glasses or contact lenses changes frequently as cataracts progress. Halos around lights, particularly when driving at night, are another complaint. These symptoms typically worsen gradually, though the rate of progression differs from person to person.
What Is a Cataracts Specialist?
A cataracts specialist is an eye doctor who has advanced training in diagnosing and treating cataracts. These doctors use advanced diagnostic equipment to assess the severity of cataracts, and they determine the appropriate treatment approach. They perform comprehensive eye examinations, measure visual acuity, and evaluate how cataracts affect daily activities. A cataracts specialist also screens for other eye conditions that may be contributing to vision problems.
What Are the Treatment Options?
In the early stages of cataracts, vision changes may be managed with updated prescription glasses or brighter lighting for reading and other tasks. Cataracts progressively worsen, interfering with daily activities, so surgical removal becomes an effective treatment option. Modern cataract surgery is a standard surgical procedure.
Phacoemulsification is an effective surgical technique for cataract removal. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens into small pieces. These fragments are then removed through suction, and an artificial intraocular lens is implanted to replace the natural lens.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is a technique that uses a laser to perform some steps traditionally performed by hand. The laser creates precise incisions in the cornea and breaks up the cataract before removal. This technology enables greater precision in certain aspects of the procedure, but consulting a specialist helps determine which approach is right for you.
Learn More About Treatment Today
Cataracts are a treatable condition, and modern surgical techniques offer efficient options. Regular eye examinations help detect cataracts early, allowing for timely intervention when symptoms begin to affect quality of life. If you are experiencing vision changes or have been diagnosed with cataracts, schedule a consultation with a cataracts specialist to discuss your options.
