What is Cataracts?
- What is cataracts?
- Symptoms of cataracts
- What causes cataracts?
- Cataracts and daily life
- Cataract treatment
Are you experiencing symptoms or have doubts about your vision?
Don't let it linger. Contact one of our stores near you by phone and ask about the possibilities.
What is cataracts?
Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye's lens. Behind your pupil, there's a transparent lens that needs to be clear for good vision. As we age, this lens can become stiffer and harder, and the proteins within it can clump together, leading to a cloudy vision. While aging is the most common cause, cataracts can also be congenital or result from an illness.
Symptoms of cataracts
The more extensive the clouding, the more noticeable the cataracts become. If cataracts are only on the edges of the lens, the discomfort will be minimal. However, if the cloudy spot is in the center, symptoms such as double or blurred vision may appear. Colors might also seem duller. If you suddenly need a stronger prescription, cataracts could be the cause.
Cataracts develop very slowly, so you might not notice much at first. Only later, when a larger part of the eye's lens is affected, does vision deteriorate. Cataracts can be detected by an optician, but they cannot treat it. An ophthalmologist is needed for treatment.
What causes cataracts?
- Age: The most significant cause of cataracts is aging. As you get older, proteins in the lens can clump together, which can cloud the eye's lens.
- Heredity: Cataracts can be congenital and appear at a young age.
- Internal eye inflammation
- Diabetes
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diet
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories
Cataracts and daily life
While driving, the impact of cataracts can become more pronounced. Headlights from oncoming traffic can be dazzling, especially at night, making driving difficult. Whether you can still drive is determined by a visual field examination, which an optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform.
In daily life, several factors can slightly increase your risk of cataracts, such as prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. It's wise to wear sunglasses as a preventative measure. Additionally, eating healthily, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
Cataract treatment
There are no medications for cataracts. The only way to get rid of them is through surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. Surgery isn't immediately necessary, as earlier intervention doesn't necessarily lead to a better outcome. However, earlier procedures may carry a lower risk of complications.
During surgery, both eyes are not treated simultaneously; there's at least a four-week gap between them. This allows one eye to fully recover and gives the ophthalmologist time to determine the correct lens strength for the second eye. Leaving cataracts untreated can lead to blindness.
We are here for you
Are you experiencing symptoms consistent with cataracts? Don't let it linger. Get in touch by calling one of our Boutiques near you and asking about the possibilities.
-Checked by Optometrist-