Even though cataracts are quite common among older adults, the good news is that modern technology makes it possible to treat this condition so that you can maintain clear eyesight. If you have cataracts, then it means that the lens of the eye starts to become clouded because of proteins that clump over the years.
Cataracts don’t happen suddenly. This lens clouding is a gradual part of the aging process, and most people will experience it eventually. But some patients develop cataracts earlier in life because of genetics or medical complications.
This clouding affects your vision and can’t be reversed, which is why it’s important to talk to your eye doctor about treatment options.
The truth is that aging is the biggest factor in cataract development, and we can’t turn back the clock to stop the aging process. Additionally, there are other lifestyle factors that might affect the development of cataracts:
Cataracts aren’t contagious and can’t spread from one eye to the other. But it’s possible for each eye to develop cataracts on its own.
These symptoms start to develop gradually, and you might not notice the issues in the earliest stages. In the beginning, your vision becomes a little blurry or filmy. For example, you might feel like you are looking at the world through a frosted glass window.
Patients with cataracts also find it more difficult to drive at night because there is glare around the lights. Other symptoms of cataracts include: fading colors or finding it more difficult to read in dimly lit rooms.
In the earliest stages of cataracts, there are things that we can do to optimize your vision. For example, our team might recommend new glasses and lifestyle adjustments, such as better lighting when you are reading.
Once the cataracts are bad enough to interfere with your daily living, then the only option to restore your vision is to have cataract surgery. Modern technology makes it possible to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new, artificial lens. This surgery is common, and most patients have successful outcomes with their new lenses. In fact, cataract surgery is known as one of the safest and most effective eye surgeries performed today.
If you are noticing changes in your vision, then the best thing that you can do is schedule an eye exam. Contact our team at Temecula Creek Optometry to book an appointment: (951) 302 -1331.