Cataracts cause blurry, cloudy vision, and are common with age. There are several ways to treat cataracts and restore your vision. At Atlantic EyeCare in Virginia Beach, VA, our optometrist diagnoses and treats cataracts. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Here are some frequently asked questions to get you started.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts occur when your eye lens becomes cloudy. The lens at the front of your eye is typically clear, but with age or injury, it can begin to cloud.
What are symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts are progressive, meaning that they get stronger (larger) over time. You may find that your vision is dimmer, blurry, or clouded. Cataracts can cause you to lose your night vision and to be more sensitive to glares and bright lights. You may see halos form around lights, and you may require more light to see things or to read. Everything may start to look faded and yellowed. You may also have eye pain as well as frequent headaches caused by your vision changes. You can also see double out of one eye.
What causes cataracts?
There are a number of different causes that can result in a cataract. Cataracts can be caused by an eye surgery that you had in the past, and they can also be caused by certain medical conditions, including diabetes. Taking steroid medications for a long period of time can also cause them. Injuries to the eye can cause cataracts, and simply getting older can also cause them.
As the light passes into the eye, images are sharply and clearly focused onto the retina. The lens of the eye gets thicker, less transparent, and less flexible. Tissues in the lens start to break down and clump together, causing cloudy areas in the lens. When light goes through the lens, a cataract will block some of that light, so the images that reach your retina are no longer sharp. This causes blurry vision.
How are cataracts treated?
Treatment depends on how much your cataract has progressed. Our eye doctor will perform an eye exam to determine the extent of your condition. In milder cases, we will prescribe glasses or give you a new prescription to clear up your vision. If this does not work, you may need surgery to replace the lens in your eye.
Visit Our Optometrist in Virginia Beach, VA for Cataract Diagnosis
Cataracts are common, but they don’t have to become debilitating. If you are experiencing symptoms, schedule an eye exam. At Atlantic EyeCare in Virginia Beach, VA, our eye doctor will determine what treatment you need. Call us today to schedule an appointment.