What Are Cataracts?

Optometric Images, which serves the Dublin and Tri-Valley Area of CA, understands that cataracts can be one of the most confounding eye conditions to deal with. Our clinic sees many people who have cataracts.

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Trying to look through a cloudy lens can feel like trying to look through a foggy window. Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have cataracts until the fog has already settled in.

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Many people have questions about cataracts. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our office is asked.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataract symptoms include:

  • Cloudy vision
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Requiring brighter lights to read
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Glasses prescriptions that change quickly
  • Seeing faded colors
  • Double vision

The symptoms associated with cataracts are not necessarily painful. You may not realize you have a problem until you see an optometrist or eye doctor for your regular eye exam.

What Causes Cataracts?

Often, the cause of cataracts is unknown. In some cases, newborns and babies are born with cataracts. Most cases of cataracts come with aging. Sometimes the causes may be associated with lifestyle choices, including drinking alcohol or smoking. In other cases, cataracts are linked to diabetes, medication, and eye injuries.

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

You may see an optometrist to receive a cataract diagnosis. This often occurs during a routine eye exam when your vision is tested. The doctor will consider your health history to determine what types of cataracts you have and whether or not you would benefit from cataract surgery.

What Kind of Treatment Is Available for Cataracts?

The kind of cataract treatment you need is based on the severity of your condition. Often, the doctor will recommend cataract surgery, which comes with few side effects. The surgery involves the removal and replacement of the lens covering the eye.

If you have questions about how cataract surgery will impact different types of cataracts or what kinds of side effects you can expect, your eye doctor can provide more information.

How Can You Get Cataract Treatment?

At Optometric Images in the Dublin and Tri-Valley Area of CA, we diagnose and treat cataracts. If you think you have cataracts, call our office today to make an appointment for an eye exam.