A 2015 study found that cataracts remain the leading cause of vision loss among all age groups worldwide. This condition accounted for more than 30% of all reported cases of blindness that year. Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, your trusted provider of contact lenses and other eye care, talks about this eye problem in detail.
What Causes Cataracts?
The natural lenses of your eyes are mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in such a way that the lenses are kept transparent and light rays can completely pass through them. However, some of these protein structures may break as you grow older. Their remnants may clump together and obscure your lenses, blocking light from entering. This may impair your vision when left untreated.
What Happens When You Have Cataracts?
Cataracts may cause cloudy or hazy eyesight, similar to looking through a dirty glass window. You may also notice that the colors around you look dull. Your eye doctor shares that poor night vision and increased sensitivity to light are common. For those already using corrective eyewear, you may have frequent prescription changes as well.
While cataracts often develop during your older years, it’s possible to have them while you’re young. Congenital cataracts, in particular, are often present at birth. Secondary cataracts may also occur as a complication of other eye diseases, injuries and surgeries. Studies found that smokers and diabetic individuals are more likely to have this condition too.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
Using eyeglasses with higher prescription or magnifying lenses can help improve the vision of those with minor cataracts. Cataracts that are causing significant limitations to your vision may need to be removed surgically. Your low vision specialist explains that the procedure usually includes replacing your impaired lenses with artificial ones.
For more information about cataracts, call us at (717) 609-4443 or complete our contact form. We serve PA residents in Greencastle, Shippensburg and nearby communities.