Cataracts Symptoms and Causes
Vision changes due to age-related cataracts can develop gradually. Other cataracts can develop more quickly, such as those in younger people or those in people with diabetes.
Some symptoms of a cataract include:
- Having blurry vision
- Seeing two images instead of one
- Eye sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing well at night or needing more light when you read
- Seeing colors as faded or yellow instead of bright
What Causes Cataracts?
Aging is the most common cause. This is due to normal eye changes that happen starting around age 40. That is when normal proteins in the lens start to break down. These changes in the lens protein progress overtime so that the lens becomes progressively cloudy or opaque. At some point when this is interferring with a person's lifestyle, it may be time for cataract surgery.
Other causes of cataracts include genetics, trauma, steroid use and diabetes.
How to Remove a Cataract
Cataract surgery is the only proven method of treating cataracts. The surgery is done in an operating room under sterile conditions. When the cloudy lens (cataract) is removed, a plastic lens implant is placed in the eye. The lens implant will focus the vision on the retina the way the natural lens once did.
One of the benefits of cataracts surgery is improved vision without glasses. The skilled cataract surgeons at Physicians Eye Clinic will discuss lens implant options, including premium lens implants that correct for astigmatism or focus at multiple distances.
Cataract surgery is relatively painless, has a high success rate, and is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. Our physicians manage all post-operative care for our patients, helping them regain their best possible vision.