Do you worry that you might be losing your vision to a common cause of blindness known as cataracts? Have you been told that your risk for cataracts has increased now that you're getting older? Any potential cause of vision loss can be a frightening scenario, especially if you don't understand your options. Check out these answers to frequently asked questions about cataracts from H. Arnold Papernick, OD, in Mt. Pleasant, PA.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are milky-looking protein deposits that form in the lenses of your eyes. The proteins were always there, but at some point they started to clump together, blocking or distorting incoming light.
How and Why Do Cataracts Develop?
Most cataracts form in the front center portion of the lens (nuclear cataracts). These age-related cataracts are usually the result of long-term UV exposure. Smoking or excessive drinking can also contribute to their formation. Cataracts that develop in the back of the lens (subcapsular cataracts) or a spoke-like pattern starting at the rim of the lens (cortical cataracts) are more likely to be related to systemic diseases or steroid use.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataracts may cause you to see strange radiant patterns around bright lights. They can also produce blurring of vision, altered contrast/color perception, and increased light sensitivity. Untreated, they can lead to blindness.
How Does Your Eye Care Center Confirm a Case of Cataracts?
Our eye care center can view your lenses in detail through an illuminated, microscope-like instrument called a slit lamp. We can also test your visual acuity for any signs of vision changes.
What Options Do I Have for Treating My Cataracts?
Some cataracts are so slow-growing that the best treatment strategy consists of ongoing monitoring, UV protection or other lifestyle changes, and corrective lenses to compensate for blurred vision. If your corrective lenses can no longer give you the clarity you need, however, we will recommend surgery to remove the diseased lens and replace it with an artificial lens.
What Can I Expect from Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is quick, easy, painless, and highly successful. Our ophthalmology team makes a small incision to access the capsule that contains the lens. Ultrasound pulverizes the lens so we can remove it easily. We then slip the replacement lens into the capsule. You should notice a remarkable improvement in your vision very shortly following surgery.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist in Mt. Pleasant, PA
If you are looking for an optometrist in Mt. Pleasant, PA, H. Arnold Papernick, OD, is ready to assist you. Call us today at (724) 547-5711 for more information on cataracts or to schedule an appointment.
