Understanding Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Cataracts develop when the clear eye lens becomes cloudy. Light has to pass through a clear lens for the eye to see clearly. When the lens becomes cloudy, it cannot focus light properly, affecting the brain-eye process. Cataracts usually develop slowly over time, eventually causing blurry vision and other symptoms. The vision changes with the size and location of the cataract. 

Understanding Cataracts

The eye lens is behind the iris. It focuses light, allowing the brain and eyes to work together, processing information into an image. A cataract is a film that develops over the lens, affecting how the eye sees. 

Most people develop cataracts at age 40, but the symptoms usually become evident after age 60. More than 50% of individuals over age 80 have had cataracts. In some rare cases, babies are born with cataracts. Cataracts develop in both eyes, but one eye may develop later or worsen.

What Causes Cataracts?

The eye lens consists mainly of water and proteins. The natural aging process causes proteins to break down but remain in the eye. The protein deposits cloud the lens, making it hard to see clearly. Some factors can speed up cataract formation. They include:

• Having diabetes.
• Use of steroid medications and other drugs.
• Eye injuries or eye surgery.
• Getting radiation treatment.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight without UV protection. 

Risk Factors for Cataracts 

Cataracts are not painful, but they can be uncomfortable. They can make it difficult to perform various tasks. Anyone can get them, but some people have a higher risk of developing cataracts. Risk factors include smoking, a family history of cataracts, or living in a location with poor air pollution. Heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for the condition.

Symptoms of Cataracts 

Cataracts may not show symptoms in the early stages. But over time, symptoms develop, including:

• Cloudy, foggy, or filmy vision.
• Blurry or double vision. 
• Increased sensitivity to light. 
• Experiencing glare or seeing halos around lights. 
• Need for brighter reading light. 
• Changes in the lens prescription. 
• Difficulty with night vision.
• Problems with color vision. 

Treatment for Cataracts

An ophthalmologist can diagnose cataracts after a dilated eye exam. The doctor can determine how much of the vision is affected. The doctor may recommend a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription if a cataract is small or mild. Cataracts tend to worsen over time, and the doctor may recommend surgery at some point. 

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens before replacing it with an artificial lens (IOL). The new lens is customized to fit your eye and vision needs. The procedure, which takes about one hour, is relatively straightforward. 

Most people wait for cataract surgery when they experience vision loss, making it difficult to perform daily activities. The surgery can help treat other eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related retina changes. Getting regular eye exams can help detect cataracts and other eye conditions. 

For more on understanding cataracts, visit Lakeview Optometry at our office in Monticello, Indiana. Call (574) 622-8400 to book an appointment today.