A cataract is a common eye condition among adults that might lead to vision problems due to the clouding of the natural lens (also called the crystalline lens) in the eyes. The lens of the eyes during cataracts changes its focus and makes it difficult for people to see clearly. So, in such blurry vision situations, it becomes hard to see in the bright light or at night, and also, colors might appear to be dull than usual. The main symptoms of cataract problems are blurriness, haziness, glare, and double vision at times. Carrying out normal daily activities such as reading, watching TV, or driving a car (especially at night) becomes difficult for people suffering from cataracts. 

As per the National Eye Institute, it is said that by the age of 65, around a quarter of people suffer from the growth of clouding of the eye’s natural lens. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataract is among the major reasons for 51% of world blindness, representing almost 20 million people. Thus, it become imperative to treat cataracts at the right stage otherwise it may lead to blindness.

Here in this blog, we will be discussing the details about the cataract and the possible ways to treat the condition. So, if you or your loved one is suffering from a vision problem due to a cataract, you must read this blog to know how you can improve your eyesight by treating this condition.

What are cataracts?

The lens in our eyes bends light that helps us to see clearly. This light is passed through the eye to produce images on the retina. But when a person goes through a cataract, the proteins present in the lens of our eyes form clusters due to age, physical trauma, or illness. The protein clumps stop the light from passing through the eyes normally, and thus, the images that get transmitted to the brain from the retina and optic nerve remain incomplete. When a cataract is developed, many people go through blurred vision, double vision in one eye; sometimes, the vision might turn yellow or become darker, or may experience haziness. If a person develops a cataract in one eye, it is more likely to develop in the other eye as well. Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, past eye surgeries, or who have been exposed to UV rays often or have used steroids for a while are more likely to be at risk for developing cataracts. 

In most cases, cataract develops slowly, and hence the eyesight remains unaffected at the early stage. But over time, it can start affecting the vision. At the initial stage, one can manage cataracts with the help of eyeglasses and accurate room lighting. Later on, cataract surgery becomes important if impaired vision interferes with day-to-day activities. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure which can be done within 20 minutes which helps in restoring back the visual sharpness. Patients suffering from this situation should consult an ophthalmologist to get the right treatment method as soon as possible.

An ophthalmologist helps monitor your vision changes and adjust your prescribed glasses or contact lenses to improve your visual sharpness for as long as possible. They might also guide you with some lifestyle changes that will help to keep your eyes healthy for a longer time. 

Common symptoms of Cataract:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Double vision in one or both eyes
• The need for accurate lighting for reading
• Difficulty in seeing at night 
• Sensitivity to light
• Change in the eye’s refractive errors

Can cataracts be treated without surgery?

Suppose you or anyone in your family is suffering from a cataract. In that case, you might wonder if there is any possible technique or a natural way for reversing a cataract without surgery. We would like you to know that surgery is the only possible way to get rid of cataracts completely. Although studies are going on for the non-surgical cataract treatment, but for now, there is no proven non-surgical method to reverse this condition completely. There are no specific medications till now that can eliminate existing cataracts. But following certain lifestyle tips, natural remedies, correct eyeglasses can help minimize cataracts’ effect for some time. You can take advice from a certified eye specialist (ophthalmologist) before proceeding to any natural remedies. Well, if you want to slow down the progression of cataract, then following the listed lifestyle changes will help you a lot –

• It would be best if you quit smoking
• Drinking alcohol should be in moderation
• Consult an eye specialist regarding any side effect of the medications you are taking that might develop cataracts (such as steroids)
• Follow the guidance of your doctor for treating chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure
• Wear sunglasses for protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiations
• Eating a healthy balanced diet and taking proper vitamin supplements also help to reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Go for regular eye checkups for monitoring cataract development, among other conditions.

Eventually, cataract surgery is the only cure!

When a person is diagnosed with a cataract, the doctor does not immediately send them for the surgery unless the cataract stage is very advanced. At first, the patient goes through the eye exams regularly until the vision becomes too difficult to handle with the glasses or contact lenses.

This surgery is a simple and fast procedure. Although, healing and restoring normal activities might take several weeks. The risk of cataract surgery is very low, especially when you consult a high-rated ophthalmologist in your locality. A fully skilled ophthalmologist helps the patient understand the visual sharpness that they will regain or problem (if any) with the retina after the surgery.

The safest and the most effective cataract surgery at Glenn Medical Center

While cataract surgery might sound scary to most of you all, but it is the safest and effective option that can help in the removal of cataracts from your eyes. At Glenn Medical Center, we have a certified team of specialists known for the best cataract surgeries. The entire procedure is performed within minimum time, and an artificial lens is implanted through a single small incision. At Glenn Medical Center, our doctors only use the latest technology for cataract surgery that helps in précised operations with minimal time needed for recovery. In addition, our leading ophthalmologist, Dr. Val K. Shaw, is the best known in the area for using the newer lenses specially designed for improving vision at all distances and allowing you to live free of glasses for most activities. 

For any further questions or to schedule your routine eye examination, contact Glenn Medical Center now on (530) 934-1800.