16 Mar 5 Facts To Know About Cataracts
Do you find that your vision has become blurry or that you are seeing double in the same eye? Has it become harder to see in dim light or at night? If so, you might be suffering from cataracts. A cataract is when the lens of your eyes becomes cloudy. If you think you might be suffering from cataracts, here are 5 facts to know about cataracts, so you can identify the condition.
1. It Causes Your Vision To Blur
Cataracts are an issue with your eye lenses that can cause your vision to become blurry and make it seem like you are looking through a dirty window. It can also cause you to develop double vision in the same eye. While the condition is usually not noticeable at first, it can progress rapidly. Cataracts will most likely develop naturally as a result of old age. However, there are certain cases where lifestyle choices can also influence the development of it.
2. There Are Different Types Of Cataracts
Typically, cataracts are of four types: nuclear, cortical, congenital, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Early diagnosis is important, as some types of cataracts will develop faster than others. The most common type is the nuclear cataract. It affects the centre of the lens, thus causing the individual to experience nearsightedness and reading problems. However, with time, it will start to yellow the central part of your eye’s nucleus and cloud your vision even more than before.
3. Cataracts Can Be Genetic
Cataracts affect over three and a half million Canadians, and they are the primary cause of low vision and blindness. Unfortunately, some form of cataracts can be hereditary. This means that some people can be born with cataracts, or even develop them during childhood. If cataracts are genetic, they cannot be prevented. Although, with regular eye examinations and screenings, you can receive an early diagnosis of cataracts, which will allow you to receive treatment early enough to prevent further eye problems.
4. Lifestyle Choices Can Increase Your Risk Of Developing Cataracts
While old age is the most common reason why you might develop cataracts, there are many lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of being diagnosed with cataracts. For instance, exposure to UV rays can break down the protein in your lenses, thus causing cataracts to form. Additionally, smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating unhealthy foods can cause cataracts to develop or worsen your eye condition. Going to an optometrist is important, as they will be able to identify other potential risk factors.
5. Cataract Surgery Is Quick
The good news with cataracts is that, unlike many other eye conditions, you don’t need to live with it forever. Cataract surgery is a safe, quick, and proven way to get rid of cataracts. In this surgery, surgeons will replace your eye lens with a permanent artificial lens. The surgery can take less than an hour, and recovery is speedy – between 1 to 2 days. Given the condition’s similarity in symptoms to many other eye conditions, cataracts can be harder to spot, making it important to get it diagnosed so you can get back to seeing your best.
If you suspect that you might have cataracts, it is important to get diagnosed as soon as you begin developing symptoms. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.
