Cataracts Adaptive ocular sciences
About Cataracts
A cataract is a cloudy area in the eye’s clear lens that can affect vision by scattering light and preventing proper focus. Common in people over 55, cataracts can also occur in infants, young children, or from trauma or medications. Typically affecting both eyes, one may be worse than the other. The lens, located behind the iris, focuses light on the retina, but changes in its proteins and fibers cause clouding, leading to vision problems.
Are You Experiencing
Blurry, Cloudy, or Dim Vision
Seeing “Halos” Around Lights
Fading or Yellowing of Colors
Trouble Seeing at Night
Experiencing Double Vision in the Affected Eye
How Cataracts Affect Your Vision: Understanding the Impact
Slow Adjustment to Light
Your eyes may take longer to adapt to sudden changes in light levels.
Difficulty Reading Small Print
Text may become blurry or harder to see clearly, even with glasses.
Poor Contrast Sensitivity
Distinguishing between objects in low contrast, like a white object on a light background, becomes challenging.
Difficulty with Nighttime Driving
Halos and glare from headlights can severely affect vision, making driving dangerous.
Reduced Visual Acuity
Objects become harder to focus on, even with corrective lenses.
Impaired Depth Perception
Difficulty judging distances, which can affect activities like driving or walking.
Frequent Eyeglass Prescription Changes
You may find yourself needing new prescriptions more often as the cataract progresses.
Color Blindness
Certain colors, like blue or green, may appear washed out or indistinguishable.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
Your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, which includes:
- Visual Acuity Test: Measures how clearly you can see objects at various distances.
- Slit-Lamp Exam: A microscope is used to examine the lens and other eye structures in detail.
- Dilated Eye Exam: Your pupils are widened with special drops to allow a deeper view of the retina and lens.
- Tonometry Test: Measures the pressure inside the eye to rule out glaucoma, which can accompany cataracts.
Cataract Care
Do I Have Cataracts
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with a small artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs are important for restoring your vision and improving your quality of life after surgery.
There are different types of IOLs, each with its own benefits and safety features. Your cataract surgeon can help you choose the right IOL for you. During your preoperative exam and consultation, they will explain the options, answer your questions, and discuss the risks of surgery. Risks may include infection, inflammation, increased eye pressure, retinal detachment, and glare or halos around lights. This discussion will help you make the best decision for your needs.