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Cataracts

It’s estimated that over 24.4 million Americans aged 40 or over have some stage of cataracts. Cataracts affect the elderly more than any other demographic. By the age of 80, over half of Americans develop cataracts. Cataracts cause visual impairment and, if left untreated, eventual blindness. Learn more about what cataracts are, cataract symptoms, cataract causes, cataract prevention, and cataract treatment in Hummelstown, PA.

WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

Cataracts are a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Since light cannot pass through a cloudy lens, the image that gets sent to the retina is blurred. This results in blurry vision.

Think of the lens of your eye like the lens of a camera. If a camera lens becomes cloudy or fogged, every picture you take will be blurry. The same thing happens with the eye when cataracts form. Without treatment, cataracts will continue to worsen and can eventually cause blindness.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS?

Your eye doctor is the only person who can definitively diagnose cataracts. However, there are common signs that may indicate you are developing them.

CATARACT SYMPTOMS

  • Increasingly cloudy or blurred vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Heightened sensitivity to lights, such as headlights or streetlights
  • Halos around lights
  • Colors appearing faded or less vibrant
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
  • Needing brighter light for reading or close activities
  • Double vision in one or both eyes
  • Increasing difficulty reading or recognizing text
  • Higher risk of auto accidents or near misses
  • More frequent bumping into things or dropping items

Cataracts usually develop slowly. As soon as you begin to notice these symptoms, contact Kirman Eye.

WHAT CAUSES CATARACTS?

Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but other factors can increase the risk as well.

RISK FACTORS FOR CATARACTS

  • Family history of cataracts
  • Previous eye surgery or trauma
  • Long-term use of steroid medications such as prednisone
  • Certain prescription medications
  • Health conditions such as diabetes
  • Smoking or excessive alcohol use
  • Prolonged UV light exposure

CATARACT PREVENTION

While cataracts cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk or slow their progression.

WAYS TO REDUCE CATARACT RISK

  • Wear UV-rated sunglasses outdoors
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
  • Eat a nutrient-rich diet with fruits and vegetables
  • Manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes and obesity
  • Use proper lighting and avoid excessive eye strain
  • Ask your doctor about alternative medications if on long-term steroids
  • Use blue light filters on digital devices
  • Schedule regular eye exams to catch cataracts early

LIVING WITH CATARACTS

The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery, but there are ways to adapt while you wait for treatment.

TIPS FOR LIVING WITH CATARACTS

  • Install brighter light bulbs in your home and office
  • Wear anti-glare sunglasses or glasses
  • Use magnifiers for reading and close-up tasks
  • Keep your prescription glasses or contacts updated
  • Use large-print books or increase text size on screens
  • Move the TV closer or brighten the display
  • Avoid driving at night—consider daytime errands or ride services
  • Ask your physician if changes to prescription medications could help

WHAT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR CATARACTS

Tell your eye doctor about any changes in your vision, especially if your cataracts are interfering with daily life. If cataracts are putting your safety at risk—such as causing falls or driving accidents—it’s time to discuss surgery.

SURGERY FOR CATARACTS

Cataract surgery is the only permanent treatment. It is considered one of the safest and most effective surgeries worldwide, with most patients experiencing improved vision within days.

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH CATARACT SURGERY

  • Performed on an outpatient basis (no overnight hospital stay)
  • Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye—you will be awake but comfortable
  • Many patients choose a mild sedative for relaxation
  • The surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL)

AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

  • Follow post-operative instructions to prevent infection or complications
  • Expect some mild discomfort for a few days, eased with over-the-counter medication
  • Vision usually improves within days, with full healing over several weeks
  • Once healed, most patients enjoy clearer vision and a significantly improved quality of life

The very best thing you can do to protect your vision is to have regular eye exams. You should always be under the care of your eye doctor, especially if you are developing cataracts or at risk for them. For more information about cataract treatment or to book an appointment, please contact us today.