Cataracts
Apple Ophthalmology treats cataracts. Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by the clouding of the lens inside the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision. It is most often related to aging but can also result from other risk factors. Here’s an overview of cataracts, including causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Causes
Aging: The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As you age, proteins in the lens can clump together, forming cloudy areas.
Other factors: Besides aging, cataracts can develop due to other reasons such as diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, previous eye injury or surgery, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms
Blurred vision: Vision may appear cloudy, blurry, or dim, making it more difficult to read, drive (especially at night), or see facial expressions.
Sensitivity to light and glare: Lights may appear too bright, or there may be a halo effect around lights.
Need for brighter lighting: Difficulty reading or performing tasks due to insufficient lighting.
Fading or yellowing of colors: Colors may not appear as vibrant as they used to be.
Double vision in a single eye: A single object may appear as double in the affected eye.
Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription: Vision changes may necessitate frequent adjustments in prescriptions.
Risk Factors
Age: The risk of cataracts increases as you get older, typically starting to develop by age 40 and becoming more common after age 60.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
Exposure to sunlight: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can increase the risk of cataracts.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of developing cataracts.
Family history: Having relatives who have had cataracts increases your risk.
Treatment
Early stages: In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with vision problems.
Surgery: When cataracts prevent you from carrying out your daily activities, surgery is usually recommended. Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations performed worldwide and is generally safe and effective. The decision to have surgery depends on the extent to which cataracts are affecting your vision and your quality of life. It’s essential to have regular eye examinations to detect cataracts and other eye problems at their earliest stages.