Did you know June marks Cataract Awareness Month in the United States? To bring light to the disease and to help you better understand the condition, Hawaii VisionClinic’s Ophthalmologists share everything you need to know about cataracts, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Are Cataracts?

When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, it is called a Cateract. This affects how clearly a person can see, in addition to how well their eyes adjust to and filter light. Cataracts are an extremely common condition, affecting more than 22 million Americans who are over the age of 40. There are three types of cataracts, including subcapsular cataracts, which develop in the back of the eye lens, nuclear cataracts, which form deep within the nucleus of the lens, and cortical cataracts, which form in the lens cortex.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts are often caused by aging. The eye’s lenses are made up of mostly water and protein and are arranged in a way that allows light to properly filter through. However, as you age, these proteins can build up or clump together, resulting in cloudy or white spots. In addition to aging, cataracts can occur for several other reasons, including diabetes, smoke, obesity, and a previous eye injury. A family history of cataracts could also be contributing factor.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts are usually slow and progressive. Upon their onset, you may never actually know you have developed the disease. However, as they continue to grow, you may notice blurred vision, and it may even seem like you’re looking through a foggy piece of glass. Additionally, cataracts can filter and block light, and colors may not seem as bright. 

Are Cataracts Treatable?

There are several treatment options available to those who suffer from cataracts. Depending on what type you have and how progressive your condition is, your optometrist may suggest wearing glasses or bifocals. As they advance, cataract surgery can be performed to remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with a clear, synthetic intraocular lens. Advanced laser cataract surgery and various lens types are available to suit your ultimate vision goals. Once the 15 minute procedure is complete, your youthful vision is usually restored!

 For more information about cataracts, call Hawaii’s Best Ophthalmologists at Hawaii Vision Clinic in Aiea and Honolulu at (808) 487-7938. You can also visit their website and learn more about their practice and the vision services they provide.