Did you know that approximately 24.4 million Americans aged 40 and above have cataracts? Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting people over 40, but that doesn't mean it's something you have to live with. Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Sylvester, has years of experience providing Oklahoma City residents with reliable eye care services including cataract-removal surgery.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the eyes. For patients with cataracts, seeing is similar to looking through a misty or frosty window. People with cataracts often experience difficulties reading or driving at night. Other signs of cataracts include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Seeing “halos” around light sources
- Needing a brighter light when reading
- Double vision in one eye
While cataracts are mostly associated with age, other factors like genetics, smoking, obesity, diabetes, eye injury, and high blood pressure can cause cataracts.
How to Stop Cataracts from Worsening
At the initial stages of cataracts, your lens may be slightly clouded, but you won't notice any vision loss. However, as the clouding worsens, it restricts light from entering your eyes, making symptoms more apparent. If you notice any of these symptoms, observe the following tips to avoid the symptoms from worsening.
Keep Out of Light
While sunlight provides our body with vitamin D, too much of it can be detrimental to our skin and eyes. Overexposure to UV light may accelerate the progression of cataracts. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't get some sunlight. On sunny days, Dr. Sylvester recommends you wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV sunlight.
Avoid Steroid Eye Drops
While eye drops with steroids alleviate inflammation and eye dryness, they may accelerate the progression of cataracts if the condition is already present. If you need eye drops, schedule regular eye exams to make sure you are free of cataracts.
Check Your Medications
Some medications can speed up the development of cataracts. If you have cataracts, check with our ophthalmologist before taking any medications.
Eye Surgeon in Oklahoma City
At their early stages, cataracts may not require surgery. However, if cataracts are allowed to progress, surgical removal may be the only option. If you need cataract surgery in Oklahoma City, Dr. Sylvester is ready to assist you. Dr. Sylvester will evaluate your eyes to determine whether or not you have cataracts and provide treatment accordingly. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today or request an appointment online.
