Have you been wondering recently if you might get cataracts as you get older? Does a close family member have cataracts?
If your vision seems blurry, this is often one of the most common signs associated with having cataracts. Keep reading to find out if everyone gets cataracts!
Cataracts are common as you grow older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older have had cataracts or cataract surgery to remove their cataracts. Eventually, almost everyone will develop cataracts.
You may also be at risk for cataracts if you have a family history of them or if you are diabetic. These factors also affect your chances of developing cataracts at a much younger age.
If you are a lifelong smoker or spend a lot of time in the sun, your risk factors increase your chances of getting cataracts at an earlier age. Obesity, high blood pressure, or an eye injury can bring on cataracts.
When you have cataracts, your vision will appear blurry or cloudy. This happens as the natural lens in your eye turns a soft brownish color, distorting your vision. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Common symptoms of cataracts include:
One symptom of cataracts is double vision. With double vision, you’ll see something as more than one image as your eye is struggling to make a complete picture. This happens when the light entering your eye scatters because the cloudy lens is blocking it.
Reading becomes difficult when you have double-vision. You may find yourself adapting to this by closing one eye and focusing on the other.
When you have cataracts, bright lights can cause discomfort. You may find yourself squinting (or mostly closing your eyes) when outside. If you’re inside, you may need bright light to see.
Driving at night becomes more difficult once you have cataracts. Straining your eyes to focus on traffic signs can cause headaches and eye pain.
You may begin to see halos or glares around the bright lights of oncoming traffic. This makes it hard to readjust your eyes to the dark.
When you have cataracts, your vision will appear cloudy or blurry. You may even keep changing your glasses, thinking that it’s just your eyes aging.
Blurry vision is a direct result of the natural lens of your eye clouding. This makes everything that you look at appear hazy or blurry.
The good news is that you can treat cataracts by having cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to remove your cataracts.
It’s the only way to treat cataracts. During cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
This artificial lens is permanent. Depending on what intraocular lens (IOL) you choose, may allow you to no longer need glasses or contacts after cataract surgery.
After cataract surgery, you’ll once again have clear vision, and with it your confidence and appreciation for life.
If you’re concerned that you might have cataracts or may get them, schedule a cataract screening at Advanced Eye Care, SC, in New Lenox, IL, today!