Cataracts Blog

3 Common Causes of Cataracts

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Not all causes of cataracts are preventable, while others may be reversible. In order to determine your situation, it is important to learn what is at the root of the problem. You may not be able to change the condition, but you can adjust or even undergo procedures to regain eye sight.

Cause 1: Growing Older and Cataract Development

Age is one of the most commonly recognized causes of cataracts. As we get up in years, our bodies slow down and processes begin to fail. Just because you have developed a cataract doesn’t mean your eye sight is gone for the rest of your life. There are surgical procedures that are relatively painless and can restore all or much of your eye sight. This is generally reserved for severe cases, so talk to your doctor about what options are available to you.

Cause 2: Hereditary Causes

Family history can also help a person determine potential causes of cataracts. This condition can be passed down through a family. Even infants can develop a cataract. If you know your family’s history you can learn how to identify the symptoms early so treatment can begin right away. In some cases, early stages may only require a pair of glasses to correct vision until the cataract grows.

Cause 3: Cataracts and Health Status

Your health can help determine your risk for cataract development. Steroids are known causes of cataracts. If you are taking a steroid for another long term health condition, you may want to talk to your doctor about this potential problem. Other health problems, such as diabetes, can also cause cataracts to form.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Are you suffering from symptoms of cataracts? Knowing what he problem could be can help tremendously as you decide how to correct it. If you suspect you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts, make an appointment with an eye doctor. They can accurately diagnose the problem and help you determine the best course of action to slow or stop it.

Early Signs

A blinding cataract doesn’t develop overnight. They usually occur over time, growing increasingly larger and more opaque. Initially, the patient may notice a little bit of blurring or cloudiness in their vision. The appearance of color may seem faded as well. Headlights and other lighting will suddenly seem to glare more than it used to. As the problem progresses, even the light from a table lamp can feel too bright.

The Misconception of Second Sight

Patients with nuclear cataracts may suddenly seem to regain their ability to see for no apparent reason. Although this may be encouraging, the respite is temporary. The sudden return of sight lost is often called Second Sight. Among symptoms of cataracts, this can be one of the most misleading. If a patient progresses to this point and suddenly notices an improvement, they should still make an appointment to see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Other Symptoms of Cataracts

There are other symptoms of cataracts some patients notice that can indicate this underlying problem. Frequent changes in prescription for glasses can indicate a cataract as well as double vision in only one eye. The eye itself will also start to appear different, often appearing milky rather than clear. Patients that believe they are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts should seek professional medical advice.

Eye Cataract Surgery: What to Expect Before, During and After the Procedure

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Some people are reluctant to undergo eye cataract surgery. Having a procedure performed on the eyes can sound downright uncomfortable. In reality, medical advances have made this a very common, simple procedure. The first step of eye cataract surgery is to have a standard eye examination and consultation with an eye doctor. During this time, the patient can discuss their concerns, questions, and habit or medical issues that should be mentioned prior to undergoing eye cataract surgery.

During the Procedure

The patient arrives, often after a fast and without any kind of make up on around the eye region. The pupils are dilated with eye drops and the face and the eye and face is sterilized and covered. Eye cataract surgery involves small, delicate incisions made into the eye to remove the cloudy obstruction. Another approach to eye cataract surgery is to use an ultrasound device that breaks up the obstruction and suctions it up as it comes off of the eye.

After the Procedure

Immediately after eye cataract surgery, the surgeon will cover eye with a patch or shield. The patient will not be able to operate a vehicle, so travel arrangements should be made beforehand. The surgeon will prescribe eye drops to be used multiple times per day for a few weeks. The protective eye covering will have to be worn for about a week. Patients should not expect perfect eye sight immediately after eye cataract surgery. During the healing phase, vision may be blurred. As long as the patient follows the surgeon’s recommendations after eye cataract surgery, they will have an easy, full recovery.

Should You Have Surgery for Eye Cataracts?

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Eye cataracts can become a serious problem that will eventually cause blindness. Some patients are willing to deal with the loss, deeming it a normal part of getting older. Medical treatment today is not the same as it was a decade ago. Patients now have more options that can help them regain their ability to function independently.

Eye Cataracts and Surgery

Surgery is available for patients with advanced eye cataracts development. Most eye doctors will only recommend surgery when the patient is suffering from severe vision loss that is altering their daily habits and ability to function. Although any surgery is a major undertaking, eye cataracts surgery is actually not as intrusive as it sounds.

Patients that decide to move forward with cataracts surgery can begin to regain their lost vision. The procedure has become very common place in the United States. A vast majority of patients that opt to have cataracts surgery develop good vision, and in some cases, perfect vision.

In a nutshell, eye cataracts surgery involves the removal of the existing, clouded lens. This is replaced with a clear IOL or plastic intraocular lens. Every year brings new developments that improve IOLs and make the procedure even easier for the patient and surgeon. There is no reason for patients with severe cataracts to continue to suffer with vision loss when a relatively simple surgical procedure can correct all or most of the problem.

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