Aging can be unhealthy for vision
As we grow older, our eyes become more vulnerable to diseases that impair vision, such as cataracts. The good news is, cataracts are treatable.
What exactly are cataracts?
Cataracts form in the lens of the eye (the clear structure just behind the pupil) and cause vision to become blurry or misty. As we age, the precise balance of water and protein in the lens starts to “clump” together, which blocks needed light from entering the eye and reduces the sharpness of images we see. Clumping of proteins and blurry vision can also be caused by:
- Eye surgery
- Eye injury
- Eye diseases associated with diabetes
- Exposure to radiation
- Genetic predisposition
Cataracts can also give the color of everything we see a slight brownish tint.
The dangers of ignoring cataract symptoms
As cataracts grow, they can make reading, watching TV, working on a computer and even seeing, in general, more difficult. They can cause additional problems for your vision, such as:
- Dimness
- Blurriness
- Yellow tinted vision
- Double vision
Cataract surgery is fairly simple
The procedure typically takes under an hour and causes minimal pain. The doctor numbs your eye, and some patients may take medication to relax them. The surgery consists of a tiny cut made in front of the eye so the doctor can insert a small tool to break up the cataract and then suction it out. You will then be fitted with a new lens implant, and the incision will be closed.
After cataract surgery
You may still need to wear glasses or contacts, but the vision problems caused by cataracts should be eliminated. To learn more about cataract surgery, call us today: (707) 546-9800.