Cataracts can affect persons of all ages and walks of life. However, they appear more frequently among persons over 40 years old. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness or vision loss all across various parts of the world. Thankfully, cataracts are in many cases treatable with surgery. In fact, cataracts are considered the most popular form of treatable vision loss or blindness.
What Exactly Are Cataracts And How They Affect Vision
Cataract is the name given to the condition where there is a clouding of the lens of the eye(s). On account of the eye’s lens being cloudy, the person with cataracts will experience impaired vision that ranges from partial loss of vision to full blown or complete blindness. The development of cataracts is considered a normal part of ageing. Cataracts are caused from protein buildup in the lens of the eye(s).
Cataracts come in all forms. That is, there are several kinds of cataracts, most of which get their names from how they develop. They are traumatic cataracts, congenital cataracts, secondary cataracts and age-related cataracts.
- Traumatic cataracts usually develop after some form of trauma or injury that has impacted the eye.
- Congenital cataracts occur when babies are born with cataracts due to infection, poor development or even some form of injury. Cataracts that form during childhood are considered under this category.
- Secondary cataracts occur when a prior existing condition – such as Diabetes, or exposure or ultraviolet rays – result in the development or forming of cataracts.
- Age-related cataracts are virtually self-explanatory. These develop as persons get older.
Symptoms Of Cataracts: What To Look For
Cataracts affect vision in very specific ways. While a combination of symptoms can indicate that cataracts are present, testing and confirmed diagnosis from an eye specialist such as cataract doctors Fort Worth residents frequent visit is the only way to really know for sure. Symptoms include (but are not exclusive to) the following:
- Seeing off color. That is, you may see color different from the way they truly appear.
- Nearsightedness
- Problems with glare – both from the sun in the day, and headlights from driving at nights.
- Needing a change in glasses prescription
Diagnosis and Treatment
The development stage of your cataracts will determine the appropriate course of action for treatment. Often times in the early stages of cataracts, prescriptions, new glasses, contacts, bifocals and the like can all be used to treat or correct the effects of cataracts. If your cataract(s) is untreatable using any of these methods, then traditional or laser eye surgery are the next best options.
Cataract surgery is often a very effective treatment method and is usually done on an outpatient basis. Naturally, it is highly recommended that patients do their homework and ensure that the necessary checks and balances which guarantee that a surgeon is competent and qualified are in place. Once this is assured, then chances are the surgery is likely to be a success. Approximately nine out of ten patients experience improved or restored vision.
Cataracts are treatable if diagnosed at the right time. Contact Marvel Eye Center today to schedule an appointment. 817-346-7333
