A cataract occurs when the lens of your eye becomes clouded, often by tiny bits of protein that clump together. People with cataracts feel like they’re looking through a foggy window. When a cataract is in its early stages, it may not cause any significant vision problems, but it can progress to the point where you lose vision.

There are three main types of cataracts:

• Subcapsular: occurs near the back of the eye’s lens; common in people with diabetes

• Nuclear: found in the nucleus, or center, of the lens; associated with aging

• Cortical: starts in the periphery of the lens and migrates toward the center

In most cases, a cataract starts out with no symptoms and generally doesn’t affect your vision until it has progressed. The most common signs of cataracts include:

• Cloudy, blurry, or opaque vision

• Seeing halos when you look at lights

• Poor night vision and sensitivity to car headlights

• Changes in your vision prescription

• Cataracts can also cause you to view colors differently than your normally do.

Cataracts are a common side effect of the natural aging process. As you get older, the tissue in the lens of your eye changes and deteriorates. Cataracts may be more likely to develop in people with certain risk factors, too, including:

• Eye injury or surgery

• Diabetes

• Use of certain medications

• Excessive exposure to sunlight in the eyes

• Some people are born with cataracts, which could indicate that there’s also a genetic component to their development.

Treatment for cataracts varies for each individual. At the Eye Health Center of Troy, Dr. Kaw and her team meet with you to discuss your symptoms and your eye health history. In people who don’t have advanced cataracts, multi-focal lenses can help you see both close up and far away, correcting any focus issues caused by the cataracts.

Some patients may need cataract surgery, which involves removing the natural lens of your eye and replacing it with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is often very successful in restoring normal vision. Depending on the status of your eye health and your optical needs Dr Kaw inserts either a mono-focal or a multifocal premium intraocular lenses during cataract surgery.

To help prevent cataracts, make sure to schedule regular eye exams, wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors, and avoid activities that create strain on the eyes.

To learn more about cataract treatment, book an appointment at the Eye Health Center — call today or book online.