Posted by: Aker Kasten Eye Center in Cataract on March 30, 2018
For adults over the age of 60, cataracts are a common condition. Cataracts are caused by a variety of factors, and fortunately, your eye doctor can treat them. Let’s discuss what the symptoms and causes of cataracts then address your options for treatment.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts tend to form as we age. The protein may build up in the lens of the eye making your vision cloudy or blurry. This protein buildup stops light from passing through normally. There are several different types of cataracts. The first is age-related and form as we get older. Congenital cataracts are the result of injury, poor development in the womb, or infection. Secondary cataracts occur due to specific medical conditions like diabetes, exposure to toxic substances, ultraviolet light, radiation, or the use of medications like diuretics. Cataracts can also develop due to trauma to the eye. Air pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy drinking can also heighten your probability of developing cataracts.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts typically form slowly, and you may not even know you have them until they start to block light. Other symptoms include:
- Vision that is blurry, filmy, foggy, or cloudy
- Nearsightedness (in older individuals)
- Alterations in how you see color
- Issues driving at night
- Double vision or trouble with contact lenses or eye glasses
How are cataracts treated?
If you have experienced any of the aforementioned symptoms, arrange a consultation with your eye doctor. Using specific tests like pupil dilation, your doctor will determine if you suffer from cataracts. Don’t forget to bring along your eye glasses and contact lenses to your appointment.
Updated glasses or contacts may be the answer to addressing your cataract problem. If not, you may require laser cataract surgery. This type of surgery is done as an outpatient procedure during which your lens is simply replaced with a manmade one.
Schedule a consultation
If you think you have cataracts, don’t hesitate to call Aker Kasten Eye Center today. Let us help you address your vision problems and begin treatment immediately. You can reach us by calling our office at (561) 338-7722, located in Boca Raton, Florida.