Cataracts are currently the leading cause of blindness. In fact, by the age of 80, half of all Americans will have or have had cataracts. The progression of this disease is often slow and can be treated. If left untreated, permanent blindness can occur.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your loved one is not able to enjoy the normal daily activities. Reading a book or newspaper is no longer enjoyable. They may not be able to recognize familiar faces in photographs. Perhaps they have complained about halos around lights or general blurry vision. These are usually warning signs that may indicate your loved one is suffering from cataracts.
Cataracts is simply a clouding of eye lens. Imagine wearing eyeglasses that are smudged or looking through a window that is dirty, this is what cataracts often feels like. As light passes through a healthy eye lens, the light is focused and provides a clear picture. When cataracts develop, the light becomes scattered and produces a fuzzy picture.
Common symptoms of cataracts can vary from patient to patient, yet most patients share the common signs. Cloudy vision, blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, double vision, becoming sensitive to light, fading of colors and frequent changes in vision.
The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As we become older, our eye lenses become thicker. Tissue in the eye lens also break down with aging, causing small clumps in the lenses. This leads to cloudy vision and the development of cataracts.
If you feel that your loved one may be suffering from cataracts, let them know that they do not need to suffer in silence. Many feel that diminishing vision is just part of aging. It does not need to be this way. Many patients with cataracts are able to successfully undergo treatment, allowing them to see clearly. If left untreated, cataracts can cause permanent blindness. Even worse, those with cataracts suffer from more injuries and falls than those who don’t. Diminished vision can also make the patient feel isolated and alone. No one needs to feel this way.
Set up an appointment with cataract doctors Fort Worth offers in the area. Your loved one will undergo a full eye exam, checking for cataracts and other diseases such as glaucoma. It is best that you go with your loved one as their eyes may be dilated that day. If he or she is suffering from cataracts, a treatment plan can be made. Most can benefit from new eyeglasses or contacts in the early stages. If the disease has progressed, surgery may be the next option.
Cataract surgery is a minor procedure and no hospital stay needed. Usually only one eye is done at a time, the second eye will be treated within six months. Patients are normally awake during the procedure with local anesthesia. The doctor will remove the affected lens and replace it with a new artificial lens. This new lens is a permanent one. Patients may experience a small amount of discomfort for a few days but are usually able to return to daily activities within a week.
If you or someone you know suspects or shows signs of cataracts, make an appointment with Marvelli Eye Clinic today to have your eyes evaluated by their knowledgeable staff. 817-346-7333
