A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause one’s vision to become blurry. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 50% of all Americans will develop cataracts by age 80. The clouding usually occurs slowly, but can happen quickly, especially after trauma to the eye. Cataracts are common with age and can occur in one or both eyes, they cannot however, spread from one eye to the other.
Cataracts occur as the proteins of the eye lens begin to clump together and cloud the area of the lens. This clump of protein is the cataract. Without treatment or cataract eye surgery, the cataract may grow larger over time and cloud more of the lens causing vision to blur. If you think you may have a cataract, our expert eye doctors located in Boca Raton, FL can diagnose and treat the condition.
Symptoms of Cataracts
While cataracts are not painful, they may be identified by several symptoms. Fortunately, the symptoms of a cataract are easy to catch; these symptoms include:
- Clouded or blurry vision
- Dulled colors
- Perceiving fewer details
- A glare from lights (headlights, lamps, or sunlight seeming too bright; a halo possibly appearing around lights)
- Poor night vision
- Double vision or seeing multiple images in one eye (this symptom may clear as a cataract grows larger)
- Need for prescription changes to your eyeglasses or contact lenses
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, you should contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL right away. Our eye doctors are specially trained to detect cataracts and can help find the appropriate treatment for you.
Cataract Treatment
It is often assumed that cataracts can only be treated through cataract eye surgery, but depending on the severity of your cataract, this is not necessarily the case. New eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, and magnifying lenses may improve the symptoms of cataracts still in their early stages. If these measures do not help, speak with your eye doctor about surgical options, as cataract eye surgery may be the only effective treatment at that point.
While cataract surgery may sound like a big decision, rest easy knowing that new advances and techniques have made cataract eye surgery one of the most successful and life-improving surgical procedures performed. Most cataract surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, and more than 95% of surgeries improve vision. If you are unsure about cataract eye surgery, you can speak with our eye doctors or read more about it on our blog.
Contact Our Boca Raton Office Today
If you think you may be suffering from cataracts, the last thing you should do is wait. The team at the Mitchell Eye Center can help you decide if cataract eye surgery is right for you. Contact us today to get started on restoring your vision. We are happy to speak with you and address your concerns.