Understanding Cataracts in Orange County, CA
A cataract is the gradual clouding of the lens inside one or both eyes due to a build-up of natural proteins. As they continue to become more cloudy, they can cause vision loss. Cataracts can cause visual difficulty at any age but usually after age 60.
Wearing prescription glasses will not improve vision that is being obstructed with a severe cataract. Cataract surgery may be recommended when visual difficulties begin to interfere with normal activities of daily living like driving, reading, work, or hobbies.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Many patients do not realize they have cataracts early on because the symptoms can be very mild.
As the cataract grows, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Cloudy, hazy, or blurry vision
- Glare from headlights
- Halos around bright lights
- Difficulty reading, the especially fine print
- Colors appear dull
- Complete vision loss (if left untreated)
What Causes Cataract?
Cataracts develop because of a natural aging process in the lens. Most people will develop cataracts at some point in their lives.
Although the cause of cataracts isn’t completely understood, these factors may play a role in their development:
- Ultraviolet (UV) exposure
- Direct trauma to the eye (such as getting hit in the eye with a hardball)
- Genetic conditions
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Medications
- Disease
Although cataracts cannot be prevented, wearing sunglasses in bright sunlight, eating a balanced diet, and keeping active may help slow the progression of the condition.
During a routine complete eye examination, we will evaluate your vision and the total health of the eye to diagnose disorders like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes. If you are experiencing vision changes, contact us today to schedule a cataract consultation in Orange County.
