Cataracts: What Are They and How Do They Impact Vision?

Has your vision gradually become cloudy or foggy? Are colors not as bright or vibrant as they once were? Do you notice glare or halos around lights? If so, you might have a cataract in one or both eyes.

In this article, we’ll explore what cataracts are, who is most at risk, and how they can be managed.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a common condition where the lens of your eye, much like a camera lens, becomes cloudy. This clouding can cause blurry vision, even if you're wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Who is most at risk of cataracts?

Cataracts are a natural part of aging, and nearly everyone will develop them if they live long enough. However, they can appear earlier in life due to factors like certain medications, diabetes, or significant eye injuries.

To help delay the onset of cataracts, it's important to maintain a healthy diet and protect your eyes from harmful sunlight.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Cataracts are typically diagnosed during a comprehensive or medical eye exam using a slit lamp.

If you've been diagnosed with cataracts, we often monitor their progression until they reach a stage where cataract surgery becomes necessary.

Should you require surgery, rest assured that cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed worldwide!

What to expect during cataract surgery

Before your surgery, your surgeon will address any questions you have and discuss the best options to meet your visual needs.

During the procedure, the surgeon will safely remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear lens implant.

After surgery, you'll be prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops, cleared to drive home, and instructed to follow up with your surgeon as directed.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, surgery will be done on one eye first. Once it has healed properly, the surgeon will proceed with the second eye if needed.

Concerned you may have or be at risk of having cataracts?

Schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors of optometry today!

Give us a call or simply schedule online: Northlake Mall | Concord Mills | Biltmore Park | Asheville Mall