Cataracts  Richmond Virginia

	Almost everyone develops cataracts as they grow older.

Cataracts are not a disease, but rather are a part of the normal aging process.  In fact, everyone has a cataract in both eyes by age 60.  A cataract means that the natural lens located inside the middle of the eye has become cloudy as compared to the crystal clear state in which it had been up to that point.  At about age 50-60 the lens begins to take on a yellowish discoloration, and this gradually progresses over the years to an orange color and then a darker amber color.  Sometimes, cataracts have a white color.

A cataract is not a growth; it is simply the natural lens that has become cloudy, thereby making it more difficult for the light rays to pass through the lens onto the retinal nerves in the back of the eye.  Early on cataracts do not effect the vision at all, but eventually a decrease in vision is noted either as a general blur or as problems with glare from lights noticed especially while driving at night.  When the cataract has advanced enough that the vision is significantly effected then it is time for it to be surgically removed.

Symptoms of cataracts:

• Decreasing vision with age
• Blurred or double vision
• Seeing halos around bright lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Vision that worsens in sunlight
• Difficulty distinguishing colors
• Poor depth perception
• Frequent prescription changes for glasses
• Difficulty reading

Blurred vision
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Causes of cataracts:

• Age
• Eye trauma
• Heredity
• Diabetes
• Some medications including long-term use of oral steroids
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Smoking
• Glaucoma
• Certain metabolic conditions

Diagnosing cataracts:

Your eye doctor can perform a contrast sensitivity test to determine how much your vision has been affected by a cataract. But typically, when decreased vision affects your everyday activities or hobbies, a cataract should be treated.

Treating cataracts:

Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, the only one way to achieve clear vision again is through cataract surgery.