How often do you visit a vision center ? Scheduling regular appointments with your ophthalmologist can help you protect your vision and eye health. These appointments can also help you learn how to spot the signs of cataracts as early as possible. Read this guide to understand the basics of cataracts:
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts vision flaws that can develop naturally as people get older. Each eye features a lens that focuses what we see to give us clear vision. A cataract causes cloudiness in the lens, obstructing the clarity needed to accurately focus from the lens back to the retina. This results in blurry vison that cannot be corrected or improved without surgical intervention.
What Causes Cataracts?
The most common type of cataract is believed to be primarily caused by aging. The lens consists of protein and water. As we get older, the protein may shift and bunch together, resulting in cloudiness that affects vision quality. These clouds are small at first but grow over time, gradually making vision worse. Other habits and conditions can also put people at a higher risk for developing cataracts. The list includes smoking, medical conditions, eye health issues, and diabetes.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Because cataracts cause cloudiness over the lens, blurry vision is one of the most common and noticeable signs of their development. Cataracts can also cause colors to start fading and interfere with your night vision. Other common symptoms associated with cataracts include glare from natural and indoor lighting, double vision, and frequent changes in your eye prescription to adjust to constantly changing vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, you might want to schedule an appointment with your Chicago ophthalmologist.
How are Cataracts Treated?
New eyeglasses or contact lenses might help improve vision during the earliest stages of cataracts. Unfortunately, these options do not always work when cataracts become larger and have a greater impact on vision. If cataracts start affecting your ability to complete daily activities, you should meet with an ophthalmologist to discuss surgical treatment. During surgery, the lens is replaced with an artificial one that is not affected by cataracts.