A cataract is a clouding that develops on the eye lens. It begins when the proteins in your eye start forming clumps that hinder the eye lens from sending clear images to your retina. The retina converts light that enters the eye into signals and sends them to the optic nerve to carry the cues to your brain.

Cataracts develop slowly and interfere with vision. They can form in both eyes at different times. Over 50 percent of the population in the United States have cataracts or have had cataract surgery before they reach age 80.

Cataract Symptoms
 

People who have cataracts experience the following:

 

• Blurry vision

• Double vision in the cloudy eye

• Difficulty seeing at night

• The need to change prescriptions frequently

• Halos around light sources

• Colors look faded

• Sensitivity to glare

You may not notice vision changes in the early stages of the condition as its progression is slow. Some cataracts cause nearsightedness to become better for a short time. However, your eyesight worsens as it grows. Cataract symptoms often look like other eye conditions. Ideally, talk to your eye doctor to get a diagnosis.

People at Risk of Getting Cataracts

The main risk factor for developing clouding in your eye is age as those who are 60 and above are at a high risk of getting cataracts. Their risk also increases as each year passes. Unfortunately, 50 percent of adults who are 75 and above have cataracts. Avoiding age-related cataracts is not possible.

Cataracts can be hereditary. You are likely to develop them if it runs in your family.

Females are also at a high risk of developing cataracts earlier than men. People of Hispanic and African heritage have a heightened risk than Asians and Caucasians. Diabetes also increases risk because of high blood sugar levels.

You are at a heightened risk of developing cataracts if you suffer from an eye condition or trauma to your eye. If this happens, the cataract can begin developing before you reach 60. Heavy alcohol drinkers and smokers have a high chance of developing cataracts. The daily smoking of a pack heightens your chances twice more than individuals who do not smoke.

Diagnosis

Your eye doctor will check for cataracts by conducting a comprehensive eye examination. They will also assess your vision. They will perform a visual acuity test using eye charts to measure how you can see from different distances. A pupil dilation test will help them look at your retina closely.

Treatment
 

The only way to treat cataracts is by going through surgery. However, you may not need the surgical procedure right away. If the problem is caught early, your eye doctor can give you prescription glasses to help for a short time.

If you struggle to read due to cataracts, a magnifying glass or a brighter lamp can help. You can also get eyeglasses with an anti-glare coating if you suffer from glare, and you can use these to drive at night. Ideally, monitor how the cataract affects your vision and talk to your eye doctor about cataract surgery if it alters your daily routine.

Cataract Surgery

The most effective cataract treatment is cataract surgery. Your specialist will take out the cloudy eye lens and replace it with a clear artificial one. If both eyes have cataracts, you will need a separate surgical procedure for each eye.

For more about cataracts, visit Coastal Vision Medical Group at our office in Chino, California. You can call (888) 501-4496 to schedule an appointment today.