Cataracts
Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to cloud over, resulting in a disruption to your vision. This eye condition is quite common, especially among older adults.
Normally, the lens of the eye is clear to allow light to enter. But proteins in the eye can break down, resulting in cloudiness of the lens that causes things to look hazy, blurry, or less colorful. As a result, patients with cataracts feel like they are looking at the world through a dirty car windshield or foggy window.
Regular eye exams are the best way to identify cataracts in the earliest stages. An experienced eye doctor can help you identify the root cause of your vision issues.
You might have cataracts if you are experiencing these symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty with night vision
- Double vision
- Faded colors
If you notice these symptoms or any other changes in your vision, then it’s important to schedule a consultation with an eye care specialist as soon as possible.
Regular eye care and preventive strategies (such as protecting your eyes from UV rays) can be effective in lowering the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. Talk to a vision specialist at EyesNY to learn more about the personalized recommendations to protect your vision.
Cataract Services Available for Our Patients
There’s no reason to lose hope if you have cataracts. The good news is that modern technology makes it possible to improve your vision after a cataract diagnosis.
Our specialists can identify the earliest stages of cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam. Your ophthalmologist can identify potential eye abnormalities by dilating the eyes (widening the pupils) to get a closer look inside the eye.
During this eye examination, your eye doctor checks for signs of cataracts and other eye diseases. It’s recommended that patients over the age of 65 have an eye exam every year. Younger patients should schedule examinations every two years.
The good news is that modern technology makes it possible to correct cataracts and restore your vision:
Cataract Surgery: Eye surgery is an option to improve your vision. Cataract surgery will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a newly created lens, known as an intraocular lens.
Even though cataracts are one of the most common reasons for vision loss, an ophthalmologist can help to restore your vision. If you have refractive issues, it’s essential to talk to an eye surgeon as soon as possible to decide whether you are a good candidate for cataract surgery.
FAQ About Cataracts
Older adults are at the highest risk for cataracts. Most of the time, cataracts develop slowly and affect people over the age of 50. However, the likelihood of a cataract diagnosis increases after the age of 65. Most people 75 or older have at least mild cataracts in one or both eyes.
Children can develop congenital cataracts, although this condition is rare. The risk of childhood cataracts goes up when the mother has health issues during pregnancy, such as chickenpox or measles.
Because cataracts develop slowly, you don’t necessarily need cataract surgery right away. Most people live with cataracts for years, having little or no vision problems during this time.
Your eye doctor will recommend regular eye exams to monitor the progression and determine the optimal timing for cataract surgery.
Sometimes, cataracts never progress to the severity that requires surgical intervention. But if you notice that your vision is worsening, it might be time to consider cataract surgery.
Most patients experience great results from cataract surgery. As a result, this treatment is one of the most common eye surgeries in the United States.
An experienced eye surgeon has performed thousands of cataract surgeries over the years, which means that you are in good hands when you decide to move forward with this procedure. A highly qualified surgeon reduces the risk of complications.
Even though most patients have a positive outcome after cataract surgery, there is always a risk of complications. Talk to your surgeons about the possible outcomes.
During this procedure, the surgeon carefully uses a laser or scalpel to make an incision in the front of the eye. Then, the lens is broken into smaller pieces using laser technology to remove the lens from the eye.
Once the surgeon removes the lens, the next step is to place an intraocular lens (IOL) – an artificial implant that restores your vision.
Most patients experience fast healing after cataract surgery. No stitches are needed, and the incision heals quickly.
You can expect to have clearer vision within 1 – 3 days after surgery.