Cataracts & Cataract Surgery
When cloudy vision gets in the way of seeing clearly, it may be time to talk about cataracts.
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss as we get older. A cataract develops when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy or opaque. As the cataract progresses, it can make everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching television, or seeing clearly at night more difficult.
The good news? Cataracts can be successfully treated with modern cataract surgery, helping restore clear, comfortable vision.
At Atlanta Eye Care, we evaluate your eyes carefully to determine whether cataracts are affecting your vision and discuss the treatment options that are right for you.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens.
The lens sits behind the iris—the colored part of your eye—and helps focus light onto the retina. Normally, the lens is clear. Over time, changes in the proteins and structure of the lens can cause it to become cloudy.
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss as we get older. A cataract develops when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy or opaque. As the cataract progresses, it can make everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching television, or seeing clearly at night more difficult.
Cataracts usually develop gradually, so you may not notice a significant change in your vision at first. As the cataract progresses, however, vision can become increasingly blurry, hazy, or dull.
Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, but they can also develop earlier because of certain medical conditions, medications, previous eye injuries, or other factors.
When confronted with bright lights, they can distort the view and can be blinding.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataracts don’t always cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. As they develop, you may experience:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Increased sensitivity to headlights and bright lights
- Halos around lights
- Colors that appear faded or less vibrant
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine details
- Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
- Double vision in one eye
- Needing brighter light to read or perform close-up tasks
One of the earliest signs can simply be feeling that your vision isn’t as sharp or bright as it used to be.
The Good News! Cataracts Can Be Treated.
Cataracts can be successfully treated with modern cataract surgery, helping restore clear, comfortable vision.
At Atlanta Eye Care, we evaluate your eyes carefully to determine whether cataracts are affecting your vision and discuss the treatment options that are right for you.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor at Atlanta Eye Care can look for changes in the lens and determine whether a cataract is affecting your vision.
Your examination may include:
- A review of your vision and symptoms
- Visual acuity testing
- A dilated eye examination
- Examination of the lens and other structures inside the eye
- Measurement of eye pressure
- Additional testing when needed
The goal isn’t simply to determine whether you have a cataract. Your eye doctor also wants to understand how much the cataract is affecting your vision and your quality of life.