Many people may be familiar with the word “cataract” and may even know some details about them, but we want to take an opportunity to share what a cataract is and how it impacts people and what can be done to help treat.

Cataracts are when the natural lens in our eye becomes clouded and does not refract the light the way it should. So a person with cataracts vision becomes blurry, like looking through a dirty window. This can make it hard to see as well as sometimes creating double vision, being sensitive to light, and having trouble seeing at night.

People at risk for cataracts, other then those who are advanced in age, are those with family members with cataracts. Also, people with diabetes, eye injuries, or spent a lot of time in the sun with out proper eye protection are all at increased chance for contracting cataracts.

So to help treat cataracts, people can wear sunglasses that provide UV protection. They can also have annual eye exams if they are over 65 and for people under 65, they can have them every two years. If a person smokes, they should stop immediately. They should use brighter lights for reading and avoid driving at night if halos become problematic.

Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts if they are too severe. Lesser diagnosis may be treated with a change in vision correction until surgery is needed.

If you have questions about your cataracts, contact Royal Oak Eye Care and let our team help!

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image credit: National Eye Institute