Understanding Cataracts and Modern Treatment Options

If you are experiencing blurred or hazy vision that disrupts your daily clarity, you may have a condition known as cataracts. This eye condition can lead to significant vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. Preventative care from your optometrist near you at Eyes Over Copley in Boston, MA, is crucial for keeping your eyes healthy and vision strong. Our optometrist is here to tell you about cataracts, their causes, and how to treat them.

Defining Cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy. This cloudiness obstructs light from properly reaching the retina, leading to hazy or blurry vision. People can also have trouble seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light and glare, and double vision in one eye. Untreated cataracts can eventually lead to significant vision loss and blindness. This condition often develops slowly with little to no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Cataracts most often occur due to aging. The proteins in your eye lens break down and clump together as you age, causing cataracts to form. Other factors that can increase your risk of developing cataracts include UV exposure, genetics, and previous eye injuries or surgeries. Smoking and poor nutrition also correlate with increased cataract risk.

Treatment for Cataracts

A comprehensive eye exam allows your optometrist near you to determine the severity of your cataracts and provide treatment to manage the condition. Mild cataracts may only require monitoring, while severe cases might necessitate surgery. Some of the most common treatment options for cataracts include:

•             Glasses: Updated prescriptions with anti-glare coatings help see through mild clouding during the early stages of cataracts. Magnifying lenses assist with reading during the later stages of cataracts.

•             Medications: Eye drops prescribed to treat eye pressure conditions can slow the progression of cataracts for some patients.

•             Surgery: Cataract surgery removes cloudy lenses and implants clear artificial lenses to restore sharp vision. Modern cataract surgery has a rapid recovery with excellent outcome rates.

Protect Your Eyesight by Scheduling an Eye Exam at Eyes Over Copley Today

Annual eye examinations are the best way to detect early signs of cataracts. If you suspect you have cataracts and need an optometrist near you to help manage the condition, look no further than Eyes Over Copley in Boston, MA. Our eye doctor can provide preventative care to prevent vision loss and offer pre- and post-op care if you require cataract surgery. Call us and schedule an eye exam today at (617) 859-0630 to protect your eyesight.