Vision Health Library
Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions. They develop when the normally clear lens inside the eye gradually becomes cloudy, making vision appear blurred, hazy or less vivid.
Cataracts often develop slowly, so changes in vision may initially be subtle. Over time, however, they can interfere with reading, driving, recognizing details and performing everyday activities.
What Is a Cataract?
The natural lens of the eye sits behind the iris and helps focus light onto the retina. When the lens is clear, light passes through efficiently and images can appear sharp and detailed.
A cataract occurs when the lens becomes increasingly cloudy. People sometimes describe the effect as looking through a fogged or dirty window. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes, although they may progress at different rates.
What Causes Cataracts?
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. The lens contains water and proteins arranged in a way that normally allows light to pass through clearly. As the eye ages, changes within the lens can cause it to become less transparent.
Cataracts can also be associated with previous eye injuries, certain medical conditions, some medications and prior eye surgery. In some cases, cataracts are present at birth or develop earlier in life.
Common Cataract Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing cataracts or cause them to progress more quickly.
- Increasing age
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family or medical history
- Certain medications
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Long-term ultraviolet exposure
Common Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts do not usually cause pain. Instead, patients tend to notice gradual changes in the quality of their vision.
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Colors appearing faded or less vivid
- Glare from sunlight, headlights or indoor lighting
- Halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Increased sensitivity to bright light
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Double vision in an affected eye
Because many eye conditions can cause similar symptoms, a comprehensive eye examination is the best way to determine whether cataracts are responsible for a change in vision.
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent age-related cataracts, but certain lifestyle choices may support overall eye health and reduce unnecessary risk.
Wearing sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection can help reduce ultraviolet exposure. Avoiding smoking, maintaining a nutritious diet, managing medical conditions such as diabetes and receiving routine eye examinations are also important parts of long-term eye care.
Living With Early Cataracts
In the early stages, cataracts may not interfere enough with daily life to require surgery. A change in eyeglass prescription, improved lighting and adjustments to everyday activities may help improve visual comfort for a period of time.
Because cataracts tend to progress, regular eye examinations allow your eye doctor to monitor changes in the lens and determine how much your vision is being affected.
When Is Cataract Surgery Considered?
Cataract surgery may be considered when the clouding of the lens begins to interfere significantly with daily activities or when changing an eyeglass prescription no longer provides adequate vision.
The decision to have cataract surgery is based on more than simply the presence of a cataract. Your doctor will consider how much the cataract affects your vision, lifestyle, safety and ability to perform the activities that are important to you.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
Cataract surgery is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. The specific surgical approach and type of intraocular lens selected depend on the patient's eyes, visual needs and recommendations of the cataract surgeon.
Cataract Evaluation and Ongoing Eye Care
If you notice increasing glare, blurred vision, difficulty driving at night or other changes in vision, an eye examination can determine whether cataracts or another eye condition may be responsible.
At Choice Vision Care & Wellness in Wellington, Florida, Dr. Salvatore DeCanio can evaluate cataracts, monitor changes in vision and help determine when additional cataract treatment or a surgical consultation may be appropriate.