Cataract       

What is a Cataract?

• A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision.  Most cataracts are related to aging.  Cataracts are very common in older people.  By age 80, more than half of all Americans have either a cataract, or have had cataract surgery.

What is the lens?

• The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image on the retina.  The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Risk Factors for Cataracts

• Certain Diseases such as Diabetes
• Personal Behavior including smoking and alcohol use
• Environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight

Symptoms of a Cataract

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Colors appear to be faded
• Glare, headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright.  A halo may appear around lights.
• Poor night vision
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye (The symptoms may clear as the cataract gets larger)
• Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses

Our office can detect a cataract through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and tonometry.  For more information about cataracts, or if you think you may be at risk, please contact our office.