What Are Cataracts?

Imagine this scenario: you wake up, look at your clock, and you're late for school or work. You jump up, throw on clothes, brush your teeth, and run to your car. You turn it on and are ready to speed to work, but your window is fogged up and/or has frost on it, and you can’t see through it! Here in Chicagoland, we’ve all been through this at least once before. Well, looking through that foggy window is similar to how cataracts can affect your eyesight.

Cataracts are normal; everybody will get cataracts. They are typically not a disease, but instead is a normal aging condition that develops gradually over time, causing clouding of the lens and leading to vision impairment. However, the good news is that effective treatment options are available to help you restore clear vision. In this blog post, we will introduce and explain cataracts, delve into their causes and symptoms, and explore the various treatment options to help you regain visual clarity.

Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the top two reversible causes of blindness in the world, with the other cause being uncorrected refractive error. It refers to the gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which is typically clear and transparent. This clouding occurs due to the breakdown of the proteins in the lens, causing the lens to become opaque. As a result, the passage of light through the lens is obstructed, leading to blurry or distorted vision.

Causes and Symptoms

Cataracts primarily develop as a natural part of the aging process. However, other factors such as prolonged sun exposure, smoking, certain medications, diabetes, trauma, and genetic predisposition can also contribute to their formation. Symptoms of cataracts may include:

Blurry or hazy vision: Objects may appear less sharp, and your overall vision may seem foggy or cloudy.
Sensitivity to light: You may experience increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare, especially during activities such as driving at night.
Difficulty with contrast: Distinguishing between shades of colors or seeing contrast between objects may become challenging.
Poor night vision: Vision in low-light conditions may be impaired, making it harder to navigate in dimly lit environments.

Treatment Options

While cataracts cannot be reversed or prevented from developing, various treatment options are available to improve vision affected by cataracts. These options include:

Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: As cataracts develop in the early stages, they become more dense and can frequently shift the glasses prescription. Updating your eyeglass or contact lens prescription may help improve your vision. Your optometrist will perform a thorough eye examination to determine the most suitable prescription to compensate for the effects of cataracts.
Lifestyle Modifications: Simple lifestyle modifications can alleviate the symptoms associated with cataracts. Protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses, using anti-glare coatings on glasses, and improving lighting conditions in your surroundings can make a significant difference in managing cataract-related vision difficulties.
Cataract Surgery: If cataracts significantly impact your daily life and hinder your visual clarity, cataract surgery is the most effective treatment option. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is a safe and routine procedure that can restore clear vision and potentially correct other vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Cataracts may gradually cloud your vision, but rest assured that treatment options are available to help you regain visual clarity and improve your quality of life. Whether through updated prescriptions, lifestyle modifications, or cataract surgery, consulting with an optometrist is essential to determine the most suitable course of action for your unique situation. Seek professional guidance, explore your treatment options, and embrace the journey towards clear vision. We at Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear are your partner in helping you navigate the path to brighter, sharper eyesight. Don't let cataracts dim the vibrancy of your world, because the world is worth seeing!