Cataracts Specialist

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy-looking eye lenses that occur when natural inner-lens tissues start breaking down with age. 

The cloudiness is usually progressive and can eventually dominate the eye lens to make it impossible to see. Most cataract sufferers are seniors, and in fact, about half of all seniors have one by age 75.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

If you have cataracts, you may experience the following changes in vision.

• Blurry vision
• Colors look yellowed or faded
• Poor night vision
• Difficulty seeing when there’s a glare
• Needing to add extra light to read
• Double vision in one of your eyes
• Needing stronger glasses or contacts prescriptions often

Usually, you won’t have symptoms until the cataracts are fairly developed. Cataracts grow quite slowly in most cases, so your first clue that you have a cataract might be when your Family Eyecare of Linden optometrist diagnoses it during a comprehensive eye exam.

How can I manage cataracts? 

Your Family Eyecare of Linden eye doctor may recommend several measures to help you manage life with cataracts better, such as:

• Update your eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription
• Use better light for reading
• Use a low-vision magnifier to read, sew, or do other near-vision tasks
• Wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside
• Wear anti-glare glasses
• Reduce your nighttime driving if possible

Recent research shows that certain vitamins and antioxidants might help slow down cataract progression. Your optometrist may recommend taking supplements such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E for this reason.

Do I need cataract removal surgery?

The American Optometric Association recommends asking yourself some important questions when you’re thinking about cataract surgery, so you can better understand how cataracts have affected your life. Some things to consider include:

• Do cataracts make you drive less often or not drive at all?
• Are cataracts making it hard or impossible to do your job effectively and safely?
• Do cataracts keep you from enjoying entertainment like reading or watching television? 
• Have cataracts reduced your ability to care for yourself?

If you’re experiencing negative and frustrating changes in your life because of cataracts, it might be time to think about cataract removal surgery. Your optometrist can discuss your case with you to give you a personalized recommendation. 

If you need surgery, your optometrist refers you to an ophthalmologist. You’ll still come to Family Eyecare of Linden for all pre- and postsurgical care.

For cataract diagnosis and care, call Family Eyecare of Linden, or book online anytime.