Understanding Cataracts

As we grow older, so do our eyes, affecting our quality of vision. But if you're experiencing age-related visual problems, don't give up – with successful treatment, it may be possible to have clearer, brighter and sharper vision than you've had for a long time. A cataract is a change in the clarity, or a clouding, of the lens in your eye and causes images to become blurred and seeing things at night becomes more difficult. More than half of all Americans age 65 and older currently have cataracts.

Causes

In more than 90 percent of cases, cataracts are caused by the natural aging process. Eye injuries, certain diseases or even some medications are known to cause cataracts. Other potential risk factors are smoking, diabetes and excessive sun exposure.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

• Hazy or blurred vision.
• Dull and faded colors.
• Glare and “halos”. Sunlight, lamps or headlights may appear too bright or glaring. A halo may appear around lights.
• Poor night vision. Inability to see to drive at night.
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye. This symptom often goes away as the cataract grows.
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.

Types

Although most cataracts are related to aging, they also can develop in one of the following four ways:

• Secondary cataract: Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Steroid use and or other health conditions such as diabetes also can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
• Traumatic cataract: Cataracts can develop soon after an eye injury or even years later.
• Congenital cataract: Cataracts can form at birth or early in childhood.
• Radiation cataract: Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

Diagnosis

Dr. Scroggs and Dr. Bryan can perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose or confirm the presence of a cataract.

Prevention

• As ultraviolet rays are harmful to the eye just like they are to the skin, it is important that eyes are protected from these rays because they can accelerate the development of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim can lessen a person’s exposure and may help to delay the onset of cataracts.
• Smoking is a risk factor for developing cataracts.
• A healthy diet also has been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts. Researchers recommend eating foods with antioxidants such as green leafy vegetables and fruit.

Treatment

In the early stages of cataracts, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems. Unfortunately, most cataracts are progressive and cannot be prevented.

Surgery

Once a cataract impacts your quality of life and has matured to the point of interfering with your daily tasks, surgery may be a necessary step to improve vision. It is not true that cataracts need to be “ripe” before they can be removed or just because they are present. Surgery should be performed when your visual needs require it. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S. and has undergone many advances in recent years thanks to the breakthrough of premium lens implants, which can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.