What is cataracts?
Cataracts are a common condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry or foggy vision. The lens, which sits behind the colored part of your eye (the iris), becomes less transparent as we age, causing less light to reach the retina. This condition is the leading cause of poor vision and can affect one or both eyes.
Symptoms
Cataracts usually develop slowly over the years and often affect both eyes, although one eye may be more affected than the other. Common symptoms include:
Common Causes
Cataracts generally develop as part of the aging process. However, several factors can increase the risk of developing cataracts, including:
Treatment
If you have a mild form of cataracts, using glasses with the correct prescription or having a good reading light can temporarily help with blurry vision. However, in most cases, vision will continue to worsen, and cataract surgery will eventually be recommended by an eye doctor.
The only proven treatment for cataracts is surgery. Surgery is typically suggested when cataracts interfere with daily activities such as reading or driving. If an optician suspects cataracts, they will recommend an eye health check.
Cataracts are just one of the eye diseases and conditions that can be detected during an eye health check. That’s why it’s essential to have regular eye exams, including an eye health check, to identify any problems with your eyes and understand how to treat them.
Next Steps
We want to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible. If cataracts are suspected during your eye exam, the optician will recommend an eye health check. If cataracts are confirmed, our optometrist will refer you to an eye specialist for further treatment.
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