All About Cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 40 and are one of the top reasons for blindness in the world. Let’s take a closer look at what causes cataracts and what signs to look for.

 

What are Cataracts?

Our eyes have natural lenses. These lenses refract light rays that come into our eyes to help us see. Over time this lens can become cloudy due to a buildup of protein; this can lead to vision loss and eventually can cause you to become blind.

This protein builds up in the eye and usually develops because of age. However, eye injuries, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and family history are to just name a few other things that can cause cataracts. The normal proteins in the eye start to breakdown around the age of 40 and once you are over the age of 60 you are more likely to start having clouding in your lens. Even with this being said you may not notice vision problems until years later.

 

Cataract Symptoms

Cataracts most likely start in just a small area of your lens and it normally isn’t noticeable. Over time the cloudy area will grow and you may start to notice the following symptoms:

• Difficulty seeing at night
• Blurry, dim, or cloudy vision
• Seeing halos around light
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Fading or yellowing colors
• Double vision
• Frequent changes in prescription

 

On the bright side, cataracts are one of the most treatable eye conditions and is one of the safest surgeries in the U.S. With a short eye surgery your cataracts can be removed by an Ophthalmologist and you can have clear vision once again.