Cataracts

Throughout the world, cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness, being responsible for roughly 51 percent of cases. This indicates how dangerous cataracts can become; however, they are easily treated through their surgical removal. The sooner you have your cataracts treated, the sooner you will return to an active life unburdened by clouded, blurry vision.

It is important that you recognize the symptoms of cataracts so that you can seek immediate diagnosis and treatment. At our practice, cataracts testing and post-operative aftercare are available to our valued patients. By scheduling an appointment at Tech Ridge Vision, you will be taking that first step toward regaining clear, crisp vision.

Symptoms of Cataracts

If you have experienced any of the following visual symptoms recently, it is important that you be tested for cataracts as soon as possible:

Cloudy or blurred vision, without pain
Dim vision
Difficulty seeing in low-light situations
Difficulty seeing at night
Halos around light
Sensitivity to light and glare
Colors appear faded and less vivid
Images have a yellowish tint

Double Vision Affecting One of Your Eyes

If you are 40 years of age or older and experiencing any of these symptoms, you should not dismiss even the slightest sign of any of these symptoms as simply an effect of aging. Early detection of cataracts is essential to their treatment. If you are aged 65 or older, you should have your eyes checked annually, even if you aren't exhibiting symptoms of cataracts or other eye conditions. If you are younger than 40 or you have a child with any of the above symptoms, please have your eyes checked immediately because you could have non-age-related cataracts or another eye condition that requires urgent care.

Cataract Testing

At Tech Ridge Vision, we perform a thorough eye exam to determine whether you are affected by cataracts or any other eye condition. We not only confirm the presence of cataracts but also rule out comorbid or alternative conditions. As part of your eye exam, we dilate your pupils and closely evaluate the condition of your eyes' natural crystalline lenses.

Diagnosis of Cataracts

Our optometrists will diagnose not only whether cataracts are present, but the type of cataracts that are affecting your eyes. This is fundamental to determining the most effective course of treatment. Common types of cataracts include:

Nuclear Sclerotic ‐ These are the most common types of cataracts, caused by the stiffening and yellowing of the eye's natural lens over time.
Cortical ‐ This type of cataract is marked by clouding that develops on the outside edge of the lens and are particularly common among diabetics.
Posterior Subcapsular ‐ This type of cataract occurs on the back surface of the lens, behind the lens capsule.
Anterior Subcapsular ‐ This rare type of cataract occurs just behind the anterior lens capsule and often results in star-shaped clouding of the area.
Congenital ‐ Also rare, congenital cataracts are present at birth and usually associated with birth defects such as Down syndrome. In many cases, these cataracts cause the pupil to appear grey or white rather than black.

In most cases, surgical removal of the lens is the only effective treatment for cataracts. However, if cataract surgery is not recommended, we will discuss alternative treatments.

Learn More About Cataract Testing and Diagnosis

To learn more about cataract testing and diagnosis schedule your appointment at Tech Ridge Vision today.