Cataracts are formed when the clear natural crystalline lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can cause vision that is often compared to looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Cataracts can cause visual issues such as a loss of distance vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, a loss of seeing vibrant colors, or trouble driving at night due to induced glare and halo issues. Because cataracts can develop very slowly , some patients don’t notice they have visual loss until they see an eye doctor for an eye exam. They are most frequently caused by aging alone; however, they can also be secondary to diabetes, eye trauma, steroid use, or be congenital in children. Cataracts are the number one reason for blindness around the world, and most seniors will develop some degree of cataracts throughout their lifetime.
At Advanced Eye & Laser Center of Mansfield, we offer the latest innovations in cataract management. This includes laser-assisted cataract surgery, premium lens options such as multifocal and trifocal lenses that may allow patients to see with little or no dependence on glasses after surgery, as well as technology such as ORA that can fine-tune lens implant selection for maximized visual outcomes. ORA technology is also very helpful for patients that have had previous vision correction such as LASIK, PRK or corneal scarring.
When Should I Have My Cataracts Removed?
Cataracts should be removed when they begin to interfere with the patient’s vision. At Advanced Eye & Laser Center of Mansfield, we perform multiple diagnostic tests as well as a visual exam to determine if cataract surgery is right for you. During your cataract evaluation, our doctor will also discuss cataract surgery options such as laser-assisted cataract removal, which can make cataract surgery more precise and more predictable and premium lens implant options such as multifocal, Toric, and trifocal lenses which may reduce or eliminate a patient’s need for glasses after surgery.
Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts develop slowly with time, and patients often might be initially unaware of any changes in their vision. However, as the cataract matures, the cloudy lens will begin to cause vision loss which is most commonly noticed at night and while driving.
Symptoms of cataracts include:
- Cloudy, blurred or dim vision
- Difficulty while driving at night or a decrease in vision at night due to glare and halos around street lights and car headlights
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Need for increased light for reading and other activities
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Fading and/or yellowing of vibrant colors
- Double vision