- Family history
- Medical problems, such as diabetes
- Injury to the eye
- Medications, such as steroids
- Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
- Previous eye surgery
When is a cataract suspected?
The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be
aware that a cataract is present. However, many people experience common symptoms which include:
- A painless blurring of vision
- Glare, or light sensitivity
- Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
- Double vision in one eye
- Needing brighter light to read
- Poor night vision
- Fading or yellowing of colors
How is a cataract detected?
A thorough eye examination can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as other conditions that may be causing blurred
vision or discomfort. When other conditions are present, particularly those involving the retina or optic nerve, perfect vision may not return after cataract removal.
How fast does a cataract develop?
How rapidly a cataract develops varies among individuals, and may vary even between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with aging
progress gradually over a period of years. Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a few months and cause vision to
worsen. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. How is a cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract
can be removed. However, if symptoms from a cataract are mild, a change of glasses may be all that is needed to function more comfortably for a while. There are no medications, eye
drops, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts. Protection from excessive sunlight may help prevent or slow the
progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.
When should surgery be done?
Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts interfere with a person's ability to live their desired lifestyle or perform daily tasks.
It is not true that cataracts need to be "ripe" before they can be removed. Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it. When someone has a
cataract that is causing visual symptoms, it is important to note that these symptoms will not improve without treatment. Using state-of-the-art surgical techniques plus the NO
INJECTION, NO PATCH cataract removal technique, there is no advantage to waiting and suffering with blurred vision when this quick, painless procedure can restore your vision. |
