What Are Cataracts?
The natural lens of your eye is responsible for focusing light on the retina. As the light reaches the retina, a signal is sent to the brain for images to be generated. A cataract forms when a cloudiness builds on your natural lens due to the build-up of proteins in your eye. This cloudiness blocks light from reaching your retina, so your brain cannot properly identify images.
Dr. James Burden explains cataracts in the video below:
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts are a common condition that typically affects people age 40 and older. They develop slowly; if you don’t have regular eye exams, cataracts can go undetected for years until they begin to impair vision. Symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurry, hazy vision
- Colors do not appear as crisp or clear as they once did
- Glare from sunlight or lamps
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision in one eye
- Poor night vision
It’s not always easy to determine if you have cataracts. We have developed a quick online quiz that you can take to get a preliminary answer to the question, “Do I have cataracts?”
Dr. Matthew Chang hosted a Cataract Webinar that you can watch here to learn more about this common condition:
Types of Cataracts
Cataracts can gradually diminish your vision to the point where you can never see an image properly. The effect of the cataract depends on its placement and size; some may have very little effect while others may cause blindness in one or both eyes.
- Cortical Cataract – forms in the periphery of the lens and moves in toward the center.
- Subcapsular Cataract – forms at the back of the lens.
- Nuclear Cataract – forms in the center of the lens.
Causes of Cataracts
Many doctors believe that all eyes will eventually develop a cataract. Cataracts can be caused by any number of reasons including:
- Aging of the eye / getting older
- Eye diseases
- Diseases and medications
- Accidents and injuries
- Exposure to ultraviolet light
- Birth defects
- Cigarette smoking
Cataract Surgery Can Restore Clear Vision
The good news is that our doctors offer modern, state-of-the-art cataract care to help patients regain the freedom of clear vision. We will assess your vision and determine when the time is right for cataract surgery. You can always expect to receive honest, straightforward information about your eye health and treatment options from our team.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts, contact us today to schedule a Cataract Evaluation.
Cataract Evaluations can be scheduled at our Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or Cañon City locations.