What You Need to Know About Cataracts
As you age, you might expect to use glasses more frequently. However, some patients aren’t familiar with other age-related ocular conditions, such as cataracts. Here, Comprehensive Eye Care, an eye and vision surgery specialist in Washington, MO, share some important information you should know about cataracts.
Cataracts are a common ocular disease throughout the world. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss throughout the globe—including the United States. At first, you might notice your eye’s lens becoming slightly milky. However, over time, your symptoms may worsen and can cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and a heavier reliance on prescription lenses.
Many people are concerned about how they develop cataracts. Your eye’s lens is made of proteins and water. A cataract occurs when those proteins begin to stick to each other, forming an opaque, cloudy body over the lens. If you do not have the cataract treated, those proteins will continue to cluster together, increasing the size of the cataract and impairing your vision.
Cataracts can affect people of all ages, from children to seniors. Statistically, most cases are age-related. However, there are other factors that you should be aware of to reduce your risk of developing cataracts. Patients who smoke, drink heavily, are overweight, or are diabetic increase their chances of cataracts. Additionally, cataracts can develop if you have excessive UV exposure; eye doctors strongly recommend wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.
It’s important to visit your eye doctor each year for regular eye exams. Though cataracts are not harmful to your eyes, it’s important to monitor the progression of the condition before your vision becomes too impaired. If you begin to notice doubled or distorted vision, see an eye and vision surgery specialist as soon as possible to discuss treating cataracts via surgical methods.
Are you concerned about your risk of developing cataracts? Contact the seasoned ocular team at Comprehensive Eye Care. Washington-area patients trust their eye care professionals to help them with all of their vision health needs, not just cataract treatment. Start by contacting the doctors by calling (636) 390-3999, or visit the team online for more information.
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