When Cloudy Vision May Be Cataracts

Imagine you are looking out of a foggy window. The fog prevents light from traveling inside, limiting your ability to see outside. This effect occurs naturally as we age, and is known as cataracts.

Cloudy vision prevents the eye from absorbing the light and producing a clear image in the lens. Cataracts, which typically begin as early as age 40, affect more than half of our senior population over the age of 80 and can cause vision loss and blindness, if left untreated. They can also form in other ages as a result of trauma or medication usage.

While cataracts may occur in one or both eyes, they do not spread between eyes. The rate of growth will vary based on an individual’s lifestyle factors and medical history. Certain risk factors will increase your risk of developing cataracts.

• Diabetes
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Frequent exposure to sunlight or ionizing radiation
• Family history of cataracts
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Previous eye injury or surgery
• Smoking
• Long-term steroid use

While blurred vision is typically the first sign of cataracts people notice, difficulty reading, dull colors, and nighttime glare also hint at beginning stages of cataract formation. If you observe these symptoms, it is important to meet with an eye surgery expert to receive a proper diagnosis.

But don’t worry; there are treatments to cure your cataracts! Unlike the days of our grandparents when doctors waited for cataracts to become “ripe,” today’s cataract surgery is performed before they affect vision, lifestyle, or daily routine. Cataract treatment is also recommended for those experiencing other eye conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma.

Cataract surgery is a simple, painless procedure that takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Ophthalmologists agree this outpatient procedure is also the safest, most effective, and most common surgery they perform.

Although cataract surgery is not the same treatment as LASIK, many patients also experience less dependency on glasses and contact lenses post-operation. Some even report becoming glasses-free!

If you notice cloudy or blurred vision, and believe you may be experiencing cataracts, visit us at www.GAEyePartners.com to set up an appointment with our highly trained experts today!

Georgia Eye Partners is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of care. They offer a wide range of services, including routine vision care and complex surgical treatment. To learn more about Georgia Eye Partners, visit www.GAEyePartners.com.