Cataracts are common and affect millions of people worldwide. This clouding of the eye's natural lens can lead to blurry vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and problems with glare. At Vision Professionals of Leawood in Leawood, KS, we provide eye exams to learn more about your condition and treatment to improve your vision. Before visiting us, learn more about cataracts below:
Causes of Cataracts
The primary cause of cataracts is the natural aging process, which leads to changes in the structure of the eye's lens over time. However, other factors such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, certain medications, diabetes, and eye injuries can also increase the risk of developing cataracts at a younger age.
Symptoms of Cataracts
The symptoms of cataracts can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Initially, individuals may experience blurry or cloudy vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and seeing halos around lights. As the cataracts progress, vision may become increasingly impaired and make everyday tasks like reading or driving challenging.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing cataracts typically involves a comprehensive eye exam by our optometrist. We may perform a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and other specialized tests to assess the extent of the cataracts and determine the necessary treatment.
While early-stage cataracts may be managed with prescription glasses or contact lenses to improve vision, the only effective treatment for advanced cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. This procedure is safe and highly successful, with millions of people undergoing cataract surgery each year worldwide.
Preventing Cataracts
There are steps individuals can take to prevent cataracts from developing. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing underlying health conditions such as diabetes can help reduce the likelihood of cataracts.
Contact Us for an Appointment Today!
If you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts or have concerns about your eye health, let our team at Vision Professionals of Leawood in Leawood, KS, help. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (913) 239-9446 today. When you’re looking for an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist you!