Get the facts about this common vision problem and how to treat it.
Noticing that your vision seems hazy or cloudy? Any vision changes should be evaluated by our qualified eye care professionals as soon as possible. We offer comprehensive eye care to the Brandon, Plant City and Sun City, FL, communities. If you have a history of cataracts, or if you have concerns about your vision, Brandon Eye Associates is here to help.
What Are Cataracts?
The lens of the eye helps to focus light onto the retina (much like the lens of a camera focuses light). Lenses are made up of water and protein and as we age these proteins can clump, which can block the light and cause our vision to become cloudy or hazy. A clouding of the lens is known as cataracts, which can occur in one or both eyes. This is not a communicable disease and cannot spread.
What Causes Cataracts?
In most instances, older age plays a pivotal role in the development of cataracts. Our Brandon, Plant City and Sun City, FL, team sees cataracts most often in older adults. More than half of Americans over the age of 80 have cataracts. While age is certainly a major factor, other factors can contribute to cataracts including,
- Diabetes
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Previous eye surgery or eye inflammation
- Long-term exposure to sunlight
- Long-term corticosteroid use
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts?
Blurry vision, particularly at a distance, is a common sign of cataracts. You may start to notice difficulty seeing at night. If you notice increased sensitivity to light or you experience a glare, this could also be an early warning sign of cataracts. Other warning signs include,
- Double vision
- Changes in color (some colors may look faded or dull)
- Clearer vision up close (often referred to as “second sight”)
- Frequent changes in your prescription
How Are Cataracts Treated?
In the very early stages of cataracts, simple lifestyle changes such as wearing anti-glare glasses or using magnifying glasses to help you read better can improve sight with cataracts. Sometimes a new contact lens or eyeglasses prescription is prescribed by our Brandon, Plant City and Sun City, FL, eye team. If your cataracts are impacting your everyday life and making it difficult to watch TV, drive your car or read, then surgery may be recommended to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens.
Brandon Eye Associates is here to provide you with the eye care you need. If you notice a clouding in your vision, it’s important that you turn to our Brandon, Plant City and Sun City, FL, eye doctors right away. Schedule an appointment by calling (813) 684-2211 for Brandon and Plant City, FL, and (813) 213-0020 for Sun City, FL.