What Causes Cataracts?

When it comes to getting older, many of us tend to focus on the more visible signs of aging.  We work out, eat healthy, and may even liberally apply moisturizer in an effort to stave off wrinkles, fine lines, and health conditions associated with entering our Golden Years.  While these are certainly excellent first steps to take, there’s no denying that we may not be giving our ocular health the attention it deserves.

And that can lead to the development of cataracts.

If your eyes are like cameras, think of cataracts as blurs and smudges that prevent you from seeing out of the camera lens clearly.  When light enters through the eye, it passes through multiple layers – including the cornea and the lens – to help your eyes focus on various objects and create images that is referred to as “your vision.”  Cataracts represent a natural clouding of the lens in the eye, and just like a clouded camera lens produces a blurry picture, a cataract causes you to see a blurry image. In severe cases, cataracts can create severe vision loss and even blindness when left untreated.

Fortunately, the symptoms of cataracts – especially those associated with aging – are relatively easy to identify; however, the symptoms require immediate attention.  These symptoms can include the following:

• Cloudy or blurry vision for near or far  that won’t go away
• Nearsightedness (in some patients, it might even eliminate the need for reading glasses)
• A change in how you see color
• Double vision
• Problems with glares during the day or night
• Sudden and rapid changes in eyesight and prescription strengths in eyeglasses

These are the most common symptoms of cataracts, regardless of whether they’re related to getting older or simply from being born with an increased risk (this is known as congenital cataracts).  If you’ve encountered any of the above symptoms, it’s critical for you to schedule an appointment with an experienced ophthalmologist who can provide you with the effective treatment options you need.

At the Center for Ophthalmology and Laser Surgery, located in Lighthouse Point, FL and serving the surrounding South Florida areas – Dr. Loeffler and his staff members are dedicated to helping patients minimize and even eliminate the effect of cataracts on the vision.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Loeffler today for cataract diagnosis and to learn about your cataract treatment options. (954) 786-5353