At your annual comprehensive eye examination, our optometrists can determine whether or not you have cataracts. Although cataracts usually do not occur until you are in your sixties, you actually can have them at birth, so we check every patient for them.
A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing the light on the retina resulting in loss of vision. It is similar to looking through a dirty or foggy window. Most common causes include UV rays, injury, heredity, aging process and smoking. Changing your glasses prescription usually does not help to improve your vision.
Cataracts are most often found in persons over the age 55, but are also occasionally found in younger persons, even newborns. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different times. Some cataracts develop slowly over a period of years and others form rapidly within a few months.
Cataracts vary in their development from person to person, so symptoms may also vary. Some common symptoms that people experience:
- Increasing haziness causing blurred or distorted vision..color may seem yellowed
- The appearance of dark spots or shadows that seem to move when the eye moves
- An increasing need for more light to see clearly
- A tendency to become more nearsighted because of increasing density of the lens
- Double vision
- A gradual loss of color vision
- A stage where it is easier to see without glasses..second sight
- Increase difficulty with night driving- glare or halos
Cataract surgery is considered one of the most highly successful procedures, with improved vision occurring in over 90 percent of cases. However, some people may require need for glasses to enhance their vision. Your optometrist will discuss your vision goals and expectations during the initial evaluation. During the thorough review of your lifestyle and ocular health will provide the patient and optometrist guidance and insight enhancing the selection of vision correction options available. Four Season Eye Care understands this process is life changing and is an important decision and will provide the resources necessary so the patient is comfortable and confident in restoring their vision. Pre- operative and post-operative visits will be conveniently scheduled to accommodate our patient’s needs. Ambulatory Surgical Center is an out-patient basis staffed with a sincere, friendly and well trained surgical team in the latest technology and instrumentation for enhancing the patient’s experience and vision outcomes.
