What Are the First Signs of Having Cataracts?

What are the First Signs of Having Cataracts?

If you are over 60 years old and are noticing vision difficulties, you could be developing cataracts. According to the National Eye Institute, over fifty percent of people in this country will develop cataracts or have cataract surgery by age 80. Your eye doctor can help. The eye doctors at Vision Institute, with two locations in Colorado Springs, CO, provide a wide range of vision services, including diagnosis and treatment of cataracts.

What You Need To Know About Cataracts

Cataracts are caused by protein clumping together in the lens of your eye. The clumped protein causes these common signs of cataracts:

• Clouded vision
• Blurred vision
• Faded colors
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Light sources appearing too bright
• A halo appears around lights
• Double vision

You may be at increased risk of developing cataracts if you smoke or have excessive exposure to sunlight. Regular eye examinations are very important in the early identification and diagnosis of cataracts. If your eye doctor diagnoses cataracts, cataract surgery may be recommended.

There are two types of cataract surgery your eye doctor may suggest:

Phacoemulsification, during which a small probe is inserted through a small incision in your cornea. The probe produces ultrasound waves which break up the lens so it can be removed.

Extracapsular surgery, during which a longer incision is made. The cloudy section of the lens is removed and an artificial lens is placed.

You can take steps to prevent cataracts, including:

• Wearing a hat and sunglasses when you are outside
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a diet high in antioxidants from green leafy vegetables and fruits
• Having regular eye examinations every year

Want To Know More?

You can get help for cataracts. To find out more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of cataracts, talk with the experts. Call the eye doctors at Vision Institute, with two locations in Colorado Springs, CO. You can reach them by calling (719) 559-2020, so call today.