As you grow older, your eye doctor will begin checking for cataracts by performing a retinal exam, a visual acuity test, or a slit-lamp examination. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of all American adults over the age of 80 have a cataract or have undergone surgery to remove one, so prevention is key over the age of 50. Symptoms include blurry, cloudy, or dim vision and an increased sensitivity to light.

The experienced and helpful team at Colorado River Eye Care in Bullhead City, Arizona, share their knowledge of cataracts below. 

Leading Eye Doctor Answers Cataract FAQs

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is essentially a cluster of protein that clouds over the lens of the eye. Cataracts often develop gradually, and it is common for people to get them in their forties or fifties; however, they typically do not affect a person’s vision until after the age of 60.

What Causes Cataracts?

As you age, the protein that makes up the lens of the eye may start clumping together. This cluster of protein gradually grows larger over time, until it clouds over much of the lens and obstructs your vision. Injuries, genetic disorders, and certain health conditions, like diabetes, can also cause cataracts to develop.

Are There Different Kinds of Cataracts?

Cataracts are categorized by the part of the lens they affect. For example, nuclear cataracts are those that influence the center of the lens, whereas cortical cataracts begin on the outer edges. Other types include posterior subcapsular cataracts, which tend to develop fairly quickly and affect the back of the lens, and congenital cataracts, which are present at birth or develop during childhood.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

During the early stages, you can typically treat cataracts with corrective glasses and anti-glare sunglasses. As the cataract develops, surgery becomes the most effective treatment approach. During the surgery, your eye doctor will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.

If you think you might have cataracts or you’re overdue for an eye exam, turn to Colorado River Eye Care in Bullhead City, Arizona. Visit their website to learn more about the eye care services they provide, and call (928) 758-2020 to make an appointment with an eye doctor today.