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What Is A Cataract And How Do I Know If I Have One?
Normally, light passes through the crystal clear lens of the eye. A cataract is simply the clouding, or discoloring, of the lens. The cataract blocks the passage of light through the eye. Cataracts usually progress slowly and cause a gradual loss of sight. Most cataracts are a normal part of the aging process and will almost always develop if one lives long enough. Although it is uncommon, people under 40 may also develop cataracts.
Cataracts cause a blurring or distortion of vision. Frequently, cataracts will cause a glare from lights as well as halos around lights. Some people complain of a “film” over their eyes and blink them frequently in an attempt to remove the film. A person wearing eyeglasses may keep trying to clean the lenses believing they are dirty. If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a cataract. A conclusive diagnosis should be made by your eye doctor.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts
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Cataract Self-TestHow Can A Cataract Be Treated And When Should Surgery Be Performed?
The only effective treatment for a cataract is surgical removal of the clouded lens. A cataract cannot be cleared by eye drops, medication taken by mouth, eye exercises, or laser treatment. If a cataract is the only problem with your vision, you have every reason to look forward to your restored vision. Modern cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations performed in the United States today.
Cataract surgery is advised when the cataract begins to interfere with one’s normal activities. The development of a cataract is not, in itself, an indication that surgery is required. If you suspect that you have a cataract, a thorough evaluation should be performed. After several tests have been made, the doctor will discuss with you the need for cataract surgery. If it is decided the time is right for you to have a cataract surgery, the operation can be scheduled to be performed at your convenience. The decision to have the surgery is, of course, ultimately the patient’s decision.
How Can Cataract Surgery Improve My Vision?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which prevents light from entering properly. Cataracts are a normal part of aging and can begin to affect vision as early as age 50. Cataracts develop slowly. At first they may not impact your sight, but over time they cause blurred or fuzzy vision as well as difficulty reading and driving at night.
Currently, cataract surgery is the only way to achieve clear vision again. During this surgery, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens from your eye and replaces it with an intraocular lens. Cataract surgery is considered to be one of the safest and most successful procedures performed in medicine today. It is a well tolerated outpatient procedure. In fact, most patients’ vision recovers well enough to drive as soon as one day after surgery.
