Cataracts FAQs

At MyEyeDr. we can help diagnose and treat a variety of common eye conditions, including cataracts. If you’re concerned you or someone you know may have cataracts, schedule an eye exam at a local MyEyeDr. eye care clinic near you. We will thoroughly inspect your eyes for signs of cataracts, discuss treatment plans and will refer you to a specialist if needed.

  • What Are Cataracts?

    Cataracts are a progressive clouding or hazing in the eye’s natural lens. The eye’s lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus on light or an image. In a healthy eye, the light passes through the transparent lens to the retina before it changes into nerve signals that are delivered to the brain.

  • Are Cataracts Painful?

    This eye condition is painless and can occur when specific proteins in the eye’s lens form into abnormal groups or clumps. Without treatment, these clumps can gradually enlarge and can interfere with vision by distorting or blocking the passage of light through the eye’s lens.

  • Who Can Get Cataracts?

    While cataracts can happen to anyone, it is known as an age-related eye condition that worsens over time and may be genetic. Cataracts begins to form in most people over the age of 40. Cataracts may also develop as a side effect to certain medications like those used to treat asthma or diabetes. This eye condition can also develop due to sun exposure and trauma to the eye. It is estimated that over 60% of Americans will develop some form of cataracts during their lifetime.

  • What Are The Symptoms Of Cataracts?

    People who are diagnosed with cataracts often describe the condition as being similar to looking through a piece of wax paper with a gradual blurring or distortion of vision. There are a handful of symptoms associated with cataracts, including:

    • Loss of depth perception
    • Difficulty reading
    • Reduced quality of night vision
    • Blurred vision or distorted vision
    • A change in the color of the pupil to a milky white or yellow hue
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Double vision in one eye
    • Colors appear dim or faded
  • Are There Ways To Prevent Cataracts?

    While there is no known cure-all for cataracts, there are always things you can do to be proactive with your eye health. If you’re looking for ways to slow the progression of cataracts, consider these tips:

    • Schedule routine eye exams for early cataracts detection
    • Avoid smoking
    • Wear protective eyewear when active, such as during sports or manual labor
    • Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection
    • Adopt a diet rich in vitamins E and C
  • What Are The Treatments For Cataracts?

    Since cataracts is an age-related eye condition, it’s important to note that treatment will be different for each patient. Initially, your eye doctor may recommend stronger prescription glasses or contacts. The most common treatment for cataracts is eye surgery. During this procedure, the cataract is removed through a tiny incision in the eye. Most eye surgeons utilize an ultrasonic tool to help break up and remove the natural lens, which is what becomes cloudy from cataracts.

  • Does Cataract Surgery Hurt?

    A majority of people who undergo cataract surgery experience little eye pressure and discomfort during the procedure. Medication is often administered to patients prior to surgery, as well as eye drops to anesthetize the eye and dilate the pupil.