About Cataracts, Erdey Searcy Eye Group
Cloudy vision and difficulty seeing at night can be frustrating and impact your quality of life. When these issues start getting worse over time, it’s a good idea to find out what’s causing them. For many adults after the age of 40, the answer may be cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and they are a leading cause of vision loss. Fortunately, they are also highly treatable.
At Erdey Searcy Eye Group in Columbus, OH, our team is here to help you understand your vision changes and explore your treatment options. To learn more or get started with an eye exam, call us today to schedule a consultation.
What causes cataracts?
First, what causes cataracts? Most cataracts are simply a result of the natural aging process. Over time, the proteins in the lens begin to break down and cluster together, creating a buildup that distorts incoming light. While age is a major factor, it’s not the only one. UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, steroid use, and a family history of eye disease can all contribute to cataract development.
Recognizing cataract symptoms
Cataract symptoms are usually subtle at first and progress over time, which is why many people don’t realize they have them until their vision is significantly impaired.
Some of the most common signs include:
- Hazy or cloudy vision
- Halos around lights, especially when driving at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare from headlights or bright sunlight
- Colors that look faded or yellowed
- Needing more light than usual to read comfortably
- Frequent changes to your glasses prescription
If any of these issues sound familiar, call Erdey Searcy Eye Group in Columbus, OH, for an eye exam right away.
How your vision changes as cataracts progress
As cataracts progress, the changes to your vision become more noticeable and disruptive. For example, simple tasks, like reading a book, driving at night, or even recognizing a friend from across the room, can become challenging. The world may start to look like you’re viewing it through a foggy window, with colors appearing dull and faded. Halos around lights grow more pronounced, and sensitivity to light can make bright environments uncomfortable enough to avoid. This gradual decline in clarity can significantly impact your day-to-day life.
When to seek treatment for cataracts
Patients often ask when it’s the right time to seek treatment. The answer is simple: when your vision interferes with your ability to perform the above activities safely and comfortably.
Cataract surgery is the only way to address cataracts and restore clear vision. During this outpatient procedure, the cloudy natural lens is taken out and replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). This not only resolves cloudiness but can also correct other vision problems, such as nearsightedness and astigmatism.
The decision to have surgery is a personal one, and our team will help you weigh the benefits against the risks. During a consultation, our trained team will assess the status of your cataracts and symptoms such as halos around lights or sensitivity to light before deciding if this is the right time to move forward.
Address cloudy vision and more
You don’t have to wait until your vision is significantly affected to start the conversation. If you have questions, such as “What causes cataracts?” or “Are my cataract symptoms serious enough to address?”, our staff is here to help. At Erdey Searcy Eye Group in Columbus, OH, we are committed to helping people protect their vision for the long term. Call today to start the process and schedule your consultation.