A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that results in blurred vision. As the cataract continues to develop, it can result in more serious vision problems unless it is properly treated.
In this post, the team of board-certified ophthalmologists at Austin Eye discusses five things that you should know about cataracts.
Cataracts Are a Part of Aging
Cataracts are a natural development as we age. Many people have minor cataracts that don’t seriously impact their vision and can be treated with prescription eyewear.
If your cataract isn’t bothering you too much, you can wait until it becomes more problematic to get cataract surgery.
Non-Elderly People Can Get Cataracts
You may associate cataracts with elderly people, but younger people can also get them. It’s not uncommon for people in their 40s and 50s to develop cataracts, and some people get them even younger than that.
Get regular eye exams to detect cataracts, and tell your doctor if you are experiencing blurred vision or other symptoms of cataracts.
Cataracts Won’t Go Away on Their Own
Your cataracts may progress slowly, but they won’t go away on their own. Even if you aren’t concerned about your cataracts now, you should be prepared to get cataract surgery if they become worse.
You can improve your eye health by quitting smoking, protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and practicing a healthy lifestyle — but there’s no proven way to completely avoid cataracts.
There Are Several Tests for Cataracts
Your doctor may use several different tests to detect cataracts. Visual acuity, slit lamps, and pupil dilation may all be used to find cataracts and determine how clouded your lens is.
You should get a comprehensive eye exam every two years to check for cataracts and other eye problems. If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may request that you get eye exams more frequently.
Cataract Surgery Can Fix Your Vision
Cataract surgery has a high success rate and is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, resulting in clearer vision.
You have several options when choosing cataract surgery, including basic cataract surgery or laser cataract surgery. Consult a board-certified cataract surgeon to learn more.
Get tested for cataracts as part of a comprehensive eye exam at Austin Eye. Call our North office at (512) 250-2020 or our Central office at (512) 454-2020.
