Seeing Clearly: Understanding and Addressing Cataracts

Most cataracts develop naturally over time, with proteins in the lens of your eye starting to break down and clump together. Consequently, the clumping makes a cloudy area on the lens, affecting your vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes having cataracts as "looking out a dusty car windshield." Play with the slider above to see how cataracts could affect your vision.

Unfortunately, cataracts don't really get better on their own. The good news is there are a few things you can do to prevent them. And if you do develop them, there’s a fast, low-risk surgery that could help restore your vision.

Managing Cataract Risks

Your risk for cataracts increases as you get older. And that risk increases if you smoke, drink, have a family history of cataracts, take certain medications like steroids or have had an eye injury. To prevent cataracts, drop the smoking habit, make healthy dietary decisions, protect your eyes from injury and wear sunglasses when outside.

Addressing Cataracts With and Without Surgery

If you do receive a cataract diagnosis, you may have a few options to reduce its impact. Surgery, however, is the only way to remove a cataract. In terms of mitigation, you can wear anti-glare sunglasses, use brighter lights, get new glasses, use magnifying lenses, etc. But, if your cataracts are interfering with living your normal life, cataract surgery may be right for you. Surgery is usually not something you need to rush, so talk with your ophthalmologist to see if cataract surgery is right for you.

If you decide to move forward with cataract surgery, it's a fairly easy process with fantastic clinical outcomes. However, as with all surgeries, there is some risk associated with cataract procedures so you should educate yourself about them. For example, here are some articles for more information: What Can You Expect From Cataract Surgery? or Cataract Surgery: Risks, Recovery, Costs.

Cataract Surgery at Horizon Eye Care

To schedule a consultation at Horizon Eye Care, use our Patient Portal or call 704-365-0555 Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.