What is the Definition of Cataracts?
Cataracts are very common and can cause a variety of bothersome symptoms. At first, the vision changes caused by cataracts may only be minor.
However, as the cataracts grow, they worsen your vision and impact your daily life. Keep reading to learn more about cataracts, including what they are, who may develop them, and how they are treated!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a very common eye condition that occurs with age. Cataracts form when your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to vision problems.
They can be caused by aging, genetic factors, or lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Cataracts can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam.
Treatment options for cataracts can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, glasses or contact lenses may be used to improve vision.
However, as cataracts progress, cataract surgery may be necessary to restore vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataracts can cause several symptoms that can affect how well you see. You may notice that your vision is blurry, hazy, or cloudy.
Colors may also seem less bright or appear to have a yellowish tint. You may have trouble seeing at night or in dimly lit areas, and glare from bright lights may be bothersome.
Additionally, you may experience double vision in one eye or need to change your glasses prescription more often than usual. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of the issue.
Can You Develop Cataracts in Your Twenties?
Cataracts are often associated with aging and are most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of sixty. However, cataracts can occur in people of all ages, including those in their twenties.
While cataracts in young adults are relatively rare, they can be caused by various factors, including genetics, trauma to the eye, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Some lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, can also increase the risk of developing cataracts at a younger age.
Younger people with cataracts may not experience the same symptoms as older adults. The cloudy lens may not cause significant vision problems, and the cataract may be detected during a routine eye exam.
However, if the cataract is causing visual symptoms such as blurry vision or difficulty seeing at night, cataract surgery may be recommended. It’s important to discuss any changes in vision with an eye doctor, regardless of age, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
Cataracts are typically treated through cataract surgery, which involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is a safe and common procedure that is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Before surgery, your eye is numbed. Then, your cataract will make a small incision in the front surface of your eye, known as the cornea.
Next, they will use a special device to break up your natural lens into tiny pieces and remove them from your eye. Once the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to replace the natural lens.
There are different types of IOLs available, including monofocal lenses, which correct vision at a single distance, and multifocal lenses, which can correct vision at multiple distances. Your cataract surgeon will help you choose the best IOL for your needs.
Recovery from cataract surgery is usually quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days.
Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts? Schedule an appointment at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA, today!
