Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Cataracts

A cataract develops when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making your vision hazy. Cataract surgery can correct this condition and improve vision problems that prevent you from doing your usual activities. The surgery also helps reduce reliance on glasses and may allow you to see colors more vividly. Here is information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for cataracts:

Causes

Cataracts form when proteins in the lens break down, creating cloudy spots that impair vision. While aging is the most common cause, several other factors can contribute to or accelerate cataract development. These include prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and previous eye surgeries or injuries. Cataracts can also be present at birth, known as congenital cataracts. The condition progresses gradually and may affect one or both eyes, eventually requiring cataract surgery. 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. These issues may interfere with everyday activities, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Other possible signs include:

• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
• Distorted images
• Double vision in one eye
• Difficulty seeing clearly in daylight
• Halos around lights

Thorough eye evaluations are key for a proper diagnosis, as some of these symptoms overlap with those of other eye conditions. This includes glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Eye specialists use tools like slit-lamp examinations, retinal assessments, and visual acuity tests to identify cataracts and rule out other causes of vision problems.

Treatments

In the early stages, visual impairments caused by cataracts can be managed with updated eyeglass prescriptions, improved lighting, and magnifying lenses. These adjustments are temporary and do not stop the condition’s progression. As cataracts advance and begin to impact your quality of life, eye specialists may recommend cataract surgery. This procedure involves removing the naturally clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Sometimes referred to as phacoemulsification, the surgery can restore vision and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear, depending on the type of IOL used.

Modern eye care providers offer advanced cataract removal techniques, including laser-free, bladeless procedures that improve accuracy and safety. Imaging-guided laser cataract surgery is used to make precise incisions, soften the cataract for easier removal, and promote optimal positioning of the IOL. Intraocular lenses come in various types to meet different visual needs. These include monofocal lenses for distance vision, multifocal lenses that allow vision at multiple distances, and toric lenses used to treat astigmatism. Surgeons may treat one eye at a time, with the second eye treated about two weeks later.

Ask Your Eye Doctor About Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a progressive condition that can cause visual impairment if left untreated. Modern cataract surgery has made effective treatment available with early diagnosis and proper care. This procedure offers a way to restore clear vision, minimize the need for glasses, and enhance overall visual quality. If you suspect you may have cataracts, consult a professional eye specialist to schedule a diagnostic appointment and explore treatment options.

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