More than half of American adults have a cataract or have had cataract surgery by the time they reach age 80. The expert team at Goetzinger Eye Institute treats cataracts in patients of all ages at their location in Riverdale, Georgia. If you think you may have a cataract, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.
The lens sits behind the colored part of your eye (iris) and bends (refracts) light rays to help you see. Healthy lenses are clear, but cataracts cause them to become cloudy. When you have cataracts, it may seem like you’re looking at objects through a foggy or dusty window.
Most cataracts develop gradually and don’t cause vision changes in their early stages. Over time, you may notice signs and symptoms such as:
Cataracts may also cause you to update your eyeglasses or contact lenses to a stronger prescription more frequently than usual.
Most cataracts develop as a result of aging. This is due to normal eye changes that typically begin around age 40, such as the breakdown of proteins in your lens.
As the proteins break down and clump together, they cause cloudiness or opaque spots to form. Cloudy spots that develop in your 40s and 50s may not cause vision changes at first. After age 60, most cataracts cause vision problems.
Certain factors may increase your risk of cataracts, including:
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, may also increase your risk of developing cataracts.
First, the team at Goetzinger Eye Institute reviews your medical history and performs a comprehensive eye exam. They may take several tests, including:
Then, they recommend the best treatment for your specific condition. Early cataract symptoms may improve with stronger corrective lenses, brighter lighting, and anti-glare sunglasses. If these treatments don’t improve your vision, surgery is the only effective solution.
During cataract surgery, your provider at Goetzinger Eye Institute removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial one.
To learn more about treating and preventing cataracts, call Goetzinger Eye Institute or book an appointment online today.
