As we grow older our bodies deteriorate over time, and our eyes are not excluded from this. While not everybody has perfect eyesight from birth, everybody’s eyesight gets worse as we approach the twilight years of our lives, despite routine eye checkups with optometrists. One of the most common forms of eye deterioration is cataracts.

Cataracts is a gradual process, often not appearing until a later stage in life (although sometimes even later than that). Cataracts comes with its own set of symptoms and are relatively easily noticeable, and while may not be curable without surgery there are ways to slow down development.

What exactly are cataracts?

Cataracts are simply a cloudiness in the lens of your eye. A normal, healthy lens is clear and is the sign of great eyesight by letting the light through without obstruction. With cataracts, a noticeable cloud exists within the lens and blocks out light from adequately doing what it needs to do to let you see clearly. As mentioned, cataracts tend to show up later in life and grow gradually worse as you continue to age. One can attempt to slow down the gradual development of cataracts by doing your best to keep the lens in your eye as safe as possible from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. If you have glasses, making sure the lens of the glasses has an anti-UV coating is a simple way to help prevent prolonged exposure which can damage the eye and bring about an early arrival of cataracts. Sunglasses are also a popular way to keep your eyes free from damage, especially if you spend much time outdoors.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts are relatively easy to diagnose. According to an article by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, clear signs of cataracts are having blurry vision, seeing double, being extra sensitive to light, having trouble seeing well at night, and seeing colors as faded or yellow. While there are plenty of factors that may play into blurry vision, cataracts are an ongoing eye issue, so a small and short case of blurry vision should not be any cause for worry.

What Causes Cataracts?

While aging is certainly a commonplace cause for cataracts, they can also be hereditary, so those with relatives who have cataracts can have an increased chance of developing them themselves. Cataracts can be caused by a single circumstance, such as an injury or surgery to the eye, or something long-standing, such as diabetes and prolonged sun exposure.

Cataracts can be treated by surgery and can restore your vision almost completely, so if you or somebody you knows suffers from cloudy vision or having issues seeing at night, contact an eye doctor to explore a safe method for treatment.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.