Classified as a clouding of the lens, cataracts can affect the way your eye looks, but also your overall quality of vision. Unfortunately, many patients who have cataracts will go blind. As a matter of fact, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Therefore, proper understanding of this eye condition is imperative. This guide will give you a few questions to ask about cataracts.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Cataracts?
There is a common misconception people believe that only older people develop cataracts. In reality, cataracts can be problems for people of all ages. Of course, cataracts become progressively worse, so they will affect your vision in more severity as you age.
Patients who suffer from other medical issues will have a higher risk of developing cataracts. For example, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a traumatic injury to the eye, you are more likely to develop cataracts.
What are the Signs of Cataracts?
If you visit the eye doctor for regular exams, they may see early warning signs of cataracts. However, you may notice a few signs, as well.
A halo of light is a common sign of cataracts. Blurry, poor, or double vision are also common signs of cataracts. Because these signs may stem from other eye disorders, too, it is important to schedule a full eye exam at the first sign of these symptoms.
A visible cloudiness of the lens will also signify you have a cataract.
Is Prevention Possible?
Since you most likely want to avoid developing cataracts and the vision problems associated with them, knowing if they can be prevented is smart.
Following a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of cataracts. Eat a healthy diet and exercise well to reduce your risk of gaining an excessive amount of weight. A healthy diet will also help reduce your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
How are Cataracts Treated?
Surgery is the most common treatment option for patients with cataracts. In most cases, the surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, so staying in the hospital for a period of time will not be necessary.
The surgery involves removing the cataract, or affected lens, from the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. You should not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, light pressure is normal.
Cataracts may not be life threatening disorders, but they can affect your quality of life. This guide will help you understand and prepare for the development of cataracts.
For more information, contact companies like Idaho Eye and Laser Center.
Share3 September 2019
Hi, I'm Deena, and as I neared middle age, I noticed that my eyesight wasn't as good as it used to be. I first started out needing reading glasses to read the small print in magazines, and then a few months later, I had to put them on to see the computer screen clearly. I knew by then that my eyes were getting worse and that I needed to do something quickly. I made an appointment with the optometrist and the doctor gave me an eye exam. Even though my sight wasn't as bad as I had feared, I still needed prescription glasses. I love my new glasses because I can actually see now. I have put together a lot of information about eye problems, eye tests and even various types of eye wear so that others don't wait as long as I did to see the eye doctor.