Understanding Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite their prevalence, many patients delay diagnosis and treatment due to lack of knowledge or misconceptions. At Luke Eye Associates, we believe that informed patients make the best decisions for their health. Here’s what you need to know about cataracts: their symptoms, causes, and the treatment options that can restore your vision and quality of life.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This clouding develops gradually, leading to blurred vision and eventually significant vision loss if left untreated. Cataracts are not a sudden event, they build over time, making early detection essential.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Cataracts often begin subtly and progress slowly, making them easy to overlook in the early stages. Watch for the following signs:

• Blurry or cloudy vision

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions

• Faded or yellowed colors

• Seeing halos around lights

• Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses

• Double vision in a single eye

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. 

Common Causes of Cataracts

While aging is the leading cause, cataracts can result from a range of factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of cataracts can increase your risk.

• Medical conditions: Diabetes and hypertension are known contributors.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking and excessive alcohol use accelerate cataract development.

• UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without eye protection damages the lens.

• Injury or trauma: Eye injuries can trigger cataract formation.

• Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids is associated with higher cataract risk.

Understanding the causes helps in prevention, but once cataracts form, they don’t reverse on their own.

Treatment Options

Cataracts will not improve without medical intervention. The only effective treatment is the surgical removal of the cloudy lens, which is then replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens, commonly referred to as an IOL.

There are two primary types of cataract surgery. The first is phacoemulsification, often called phaco. This technique involves making a small incision and using ultrasound waves to break up and remove the cloudy lens. The second option is laser-assisted cataract surgery, which uses femtosecond laser technology to perform key parts of the procedure with enhanced precision.

Both surgical methods are considered very safe, offering fast recovery times and excellent success rates. Additionally, today’s advanced IOLs give patients the opportunity to correct other vision issues, such as astigmatism or presbyopia, during the same procedure.

Take Control of Your Vision At Luke Eye Associates

Cataracts may be a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to rob you of your vision or independence. Ignoring the symptoms or postponing care only reduces your options and quality of life.

Schedule your next routine eye exam with Luke Eye Associates to stay ahead of cataracts before they impact your vision. Visit our office in Midland, Texas, or call (432) 220-2700 to book an appointment today.