Understanding Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.
Key Fact: Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight early on, but with time, they will eventually interfere with your vision.
Common Symptoms
Cloudy Vision
Blurry, dimmed, or clouded vision that can make reading or driving difficult.
Glare Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity to light and glare, especially from car headlights at night.
Fading Colors
Seeing colors as faded or yellowish, making it harder to distinguish between certain shades.
Frequent Prescription Changes
Needing to change eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions more often than usual.
Risk Factors
- Increasing age
- Diabetes
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Smoking
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a series of eye exams to determine the extent of lens clouding.
Common Treatments
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New Eyeglass Prescriptions: Initially, stronger lighting and glasses can help manage early symptoms.
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Catarat Surgery: A safe and effective procedure to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
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Anti-glare Sunglasses: Wearing specialized sunglasses to reduce sensitivity in bright conditions.