OOMC News

Cataracts are a common part of the aging process and affect an estimated two-thirds of adults over the age of 60. Though it’s less common, young people and infants can also develop cataracts. In addition to age, cataracts can develop due to trauma or even as the result of some medications. Cataracts are frustrating to live with, but they can be removed to restore vision completely in a simple outpatient procedure.

Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye form and create clumps on the lens. When these clumps of protein grow, they block light from entering the eye, causing it to perceive images as blurry.

It’s a common misconception that cataracts need to fully develop, or ripen, in order to be removed. Cataracts should be removed when they start interfering with your vision. Symptoms of cataracts include near and distant cloudy or blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare and seeing halos around lights. These symptoms often make it difficult to do daily activities such as driving, reading and even watching tv.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to go see your regular doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. He or she will determine how well you can see in addition to dilating the pupil to examine the condition of the lens and other parts of the eye.

Cataract Surgery – What to Expect

During cataract removal, the patient is under local anesthesia and receives anesthetic eye drops to desensitize the eye. The surgeon will make a small opening in the eye and dissolve the cataract, replacing the damaged lens with a synthetic one. If there are cataracts on both eyes, the surgeon will perform the procedure on each eye a few weeks apart. Most activities can be resumed the day after surgery.

While cataracts typically occur as a sign of aging, it’s possible for other factors to cause them such as damage from UV rays. It’s important to protect your eyes during sports and other activities and while out in the sun to avoid the possibility of developing cataracts.

Those who suffer from diabetes also have a higher risk of developing cataracts. It can also cause cataracts to start developing at a younger age. People with diabetes should have frequent eye exams to catch cataracts early.

If you think you may be suffering from cataracts, speak to your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam. Cataracts will only get worse if left untreated, so it’s important to take the proper steps and have them removed to restore your vision.

For more information on cataracts, click here.