Cataract Evaluations And Management Specialist

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy protein deposits within the eye lenses. As time goes on, these deposits slowly spread until they take over all or most of the lens. This makes it difficult or even impossible to see clearly, and in some cases cataracts can lead to blindness if not treated properly.

What Causes Cataracts?

The most common cause of cataracts is age-related eye changes. Cataracts can develop when you're in your 40s or 50s, but they don't tend to cause vision problems until you're in your 60s or later.

Although age is the main reason for cataracts, there are other possible causes, including:

• Eye Surgery: If you had eye surgery for another eye issue, it's possible that cataracts can grow while your eyes are recovering from the surgery.
• Medication: Some medications, most notably steroids, may play a role in cataract growth.
• Other Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions or issues can play a role in cataract development such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
• Trauma: Any eye trauma can potentially cause cataracts, although they may not appear until much later.
• Congenital: Although it's very rare, some children are born with cataracts. Often in such cases, the cataracts aren't detected until much later because they're too small to cause vision issues.

How are Cataracts Diagnosed?

The only way to know for certain is to have a cataract evaluation. If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s time for an evaluation.

• Cloudy vision
• Light sensitivity
• Night vision problems
• Double vision
• Frequent changes in eyesight

You may have only cloudy vision now, but if you ignore the problem you’ll likely end up having other symptoms as well.

How are Cataracts Treated?

In some cases, cataracts aren't severe enough to require surgery, at least not yet. Your optometrist develops a cataract management plan, often starting with a change in prescription for your glasses or contact lenses.

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts, and it's therefore the most common treatment for problematic cataracts. If that step is necessary, your optometrist at VistaSite Eye Care recommends a highly skilled surgeon who replaces your lens with an intraocular lens that allows for clear vision. After your cataract surgery, you'll continue to see your optometrist for follow-up care.

If you’re having cataract problems, the VistaSite Eye Care team can help. Call or schedule an appointment using online booking today to learn more.