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Cataracts

Protect your eyes and reduce your risk for this common eye condition.

Cataracts – the age-related eye problem we all know about. Before you turn 80 you’d be hard pressed to find someone in the States who hasn’t got one or hasn’t been through cataract surgery – more than half of us have already been affected by the time we reach that age.

If you notice any unusual or unexplained changes in your vision, call D'Allura Eye Care or schedule an appointment online.

What are cataracts?

Inside your eye is a clear lens that naturally breaks down over time. As the proteins within the lens begin to deteriorate and clump together, the lens becomes cloudy. Looking through a cataract can make objects appear dull, blurry, or less vibrant than they used to be.

Cataracts typically develop in both eyes, though not always at the same rate. One eye is often affected more than the other, which can create a noticeable difference in vision between the two.

Other common signs of cataracts include:

  • Increased sensitivity to glare from lights
  • A yellow or brown tint to colors
  • Blurred, hazy, or dimmed vision
  • Double vision in one eye
  • A need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work
  • Difficulty driving at night

Who is at risk for developing cataracts?

While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, several other factors can increase your risk or cause them to develop earlier than expected.

Common risk factors include:

  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
  • Past eye injuries or inflammation
  • Obesity

How do I reduce or prevent cataracts?

While cataracts are basically a part of growing older for loads of folks, there are definitely a number of things you can do that might just help slow them down a bit or stop them from showing up too early in your life.

  • Stick to regular eye exams – A comprehensive eye exam is really the best way to keep an eye on your eye health and spot cataracts early on. This is the time your optometrist will take to have a look at your eyes and get a sense if anything out of the ordinary is going on with your lens.
  • Protect your eyes from the sun – The suns UV rays can also help along cataract development so wear some sunglasses that block those UVB rays (and a hat too while you're at it).
  • Make positive lifestyle changes – Eating a balanced diet with plenty of veggies & fruit can not only keep your weight in check but gives your eyes the nutrients they need to stay healthy. And yeah cut back on the booze and give up the smoking habit - both of these will really help take some pressure off your eye health.

How are cataracts diagnosed and treated?

Your eye doctor can confirm a cataract diagnosis through a series of tests, including a slit-lamp exam, visual acuity test, and retinal exam.

In the early stages, updated prescription glasses can often improve your vision significantly. Once glasses no longer provide enough clarity, cataract surgery is typically the next step toward restoring clear sight.

At D’Allura Eye Care, we’re committed to protecting your long-term eye health. Call us today or book an appointment online to take the next step toward clearer vision.

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