Did you know that cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the world? Approximately 50% of reported vision loss cases are a result of cataracts. In today’s post, your expert eye doctor from the EyeSite of The Villages sheds light on this condition:
Root Cause and Risk Factors
Your eyes’ natural lenses are primarily made of protein and water. Your lenses are responsible for bending received light rays toward your retina, helping you see clearly at varying distances. As you age, your body’s protein breakdown process may hasten. This can cause cataracts, which are protein clumps that accumulate on your lenses’ surface. Cataracts can prevent light from entering your eyes, resulting in vision problems.
Heredity and increasing age are some of the major risk factors for cataract formation. People with pre-existing visual or medical conditions, like diabetes, are also at a higher risk. This is why we encourage undergoing a comprehensive eye exam routinely, especially since cataracts are often asymptomatic in the early phases.
Common Symptoms
Having cloudy or hazy vision is one of the characteristic manifestations of cataracts. You may also have trouble seeing in dimly lit places, and you may experience a reduced tolerance to bright lights. These symptoms may prevent you from carrying out your daily tasks efficiently, putting you at risk for accidents and reducing your overall quality of life.
Our Suggested Management
During the early cataract phases, we can prescribe a higher prescription for your eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see better. If the cataracts are already causing significant visual restrictions, however, we may recommend removing them surgically. Rest assured we’ll explain everything in detail and answer all questions you may have.
For more information about cataracts, feel free to call us at (352) 504-4560 to request an appointment. We serve Fruitland Park, FL.
