How Can I Protect My Eyes From Cataracts?
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A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. For those with cataracts, seeing through this lens leads to the feeling of viewing through a fogged-up window. Clouded vision can make it difficult to read, to drive, especially at night, or to even do daily tasks. Most cataracts develop slowly, which means that our experienced team, Dr. Ming Wang and Dr. Josh Frenkel, can detect their development during comprehensive eye exams. Glasses are one of the best ways to help our patients deal with cataracts. However, some of our patients at Wang Vision in Nashville, TN with impaired vision may choose to undergo cataract surgery.
Cataract symptoms
Some of the common cataract symptoms include:
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Cloudy or blurry vision
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Increased difficulty seeing at night
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Light sensitivity
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Seeing halos
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Need for brighter light for activities, including reading
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Fading of colors
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Double vision in one eye
Oftentimes, the cloudiness in your vision will only affect a portion of your eye. However, as the cataract grows larger, it will cloud more of the lens. This will lead to it being more noticeable. At Wang Vision, we suggest you schedule an eye exam whenever you notice changes in your vision. These changes can include double vision, sudden headaches, or sudden eye pain.
Causes of cataracts
Most cataracts develop from aging or injury, which causes changes to the tissue in the eye’s lens. Also, genetics may play a part as they can lead to some of our patients being more susceptible to cataracts. Past eye surgery, diabetes, and long-term use of steroids can all cause cataracts to develop too.
How do cataracts form?
The lens is positioned behind the colored part of the eye, known as the iris. The lens’ job is to focus on the light that passes into the eye while producing clear images on the retina. As you age, the lenses will become less transparent and thicker. As a cataract develops, clouding will become denser and involve a larger portion of the lens. It can even block light as it passes through the lens. This will result in blurry vision. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, although not evenly. Any changes in a patient’s vision are usually reason enough for most of our patients to visit our Nashville, TN eye center to be treated by Dr. Wang or Dr. Frenkel.
Diagnosing and treating cataracts
At Wang Vision, we will perform an eye examination involving a variety of tests that can determine if you have a cataract. Visual acuity tests how well you can read letters. The slit-lamp examination allows us to see structures on the front of your eye when magnified. This allows us to see any abnormalities, such as a cataract.
If you are diagnosed with a cataract, Dr. Wang and Dr. Frenkel can discuss treatment options that will benefit your eye health. For less severe cases, we may suggest glasses that help you to see better during reading or while driving at night. For other patients, we may suggest cataract surgery. At Wang Vision, we offer traditional cataract surgery, laser cataract surgery, and YAG laser capsulotomy, which can correct hazy vision after cataract removal.
Cataract prevention
One of the easiest ways to prevent cataracts from progressing is with regular eye examinations. This will help us to evaluate your eye health and to regularly detect vision changes. A healthy diet with fruits and vegetables helps to make sure you get antioxidants, which help to maintain your eye health. Wearing sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection helps prevent the development of cataracts too.
Learn more on how to treat cataracts in Nashville, TN
At Wang Vision, Dr. Ming Wang and Dr. Josh Frenkel perform regular eye examinations that detect the presence of cataracts. If detected, we offer a variety of treatment options for those who want to repair their eyes with glasses, laser cataract surgery, or traditional cataract surgery. When you notice changes in your vision, call our professional team to schedule an online consultation to discuss your eye health.