Updated on January 3, 2023. Article originally published June, 2021.
What are cataracts?
Your eye has a natural lens inside, which bends (refracts) light rays that come into the eye, allowing us to see. These lenses should be clear. A cataract is when your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy or less colorful.
What are some symptoms of cataracts?
- Blurry vision
- Seeing double
- Extra sensitivity to light
- Having trouble seeing well at night
- Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow
What causes cataracts?
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. Around the age of 40, normal eye changes begin to happen, and proteins in the eye’s lenses start to break down, causing the lens to get cloudy. People over the age of 60 usually start to have some clouding of their lenses. Vision problems, however, may not happen until years later.
Other reasons you may get cataracts include:
- Family members who have cataracts
- Medical problems, such as diabetes
- Smoking
- A previous eye injury, eye surgery or upper body radiation treatments
- Spending a lot of time in the sun or going without sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays
- Certain medications
If you have some of the symptoms above or you think you may have cataracts, reach out to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam to make a cataract diagnosis.
Dr. Reddy is a certified ophthalmologist at Ohio Ophthalmology. She and her team can evaluate and treat your cataracts with a complete eye exam along with any additional testing that is needed for evaluation.
Please do not delay or avoid seeking the medical attention you need. For more information, call 740-687-6902.