The older you get, the greater your risk of developing cataracts. Blurred, cloudy vision is one of the main symptoms of this condition. If you’re a senior and experiencing problems with your vision, contact the office of DeCarlo Eye Center in Wauwatosa, WI, to see if cataracts could be causing your symptoms. These FAQs explain more about cataract causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye. It occurs when proteins in the lens start to break down, causing hazy or cloudy vision. Cataracts are quite common among older adults, occurring in approximately 70% of those over the age of 70.
What causes cataracts?
Age is a major cause of cataracts, as proteins in the lens of your eye begin to deteriorate over time. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking can contribute to this condition. Eye injuries, eye surgery, and overexposure to the sun can also increase your risk of developing cataracts.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts can cause hazy, cloudy vision, feeling like you’re looking through a fog. As a result, you may have trouble distinguishing colors or seeing at night. Cataracts may also cause sensitivity to light. Advanced cataracts can impact your near vision, making it difficult to read, watch TV, work on a computer, or do other daily tasks.
How are cataracts treated?
In the early stages, vision changes from cataracts can be handled with prescription eyewear. Your Wauwatosa ophthalmologist can write you a prescription for corrective lenses to improve your sight. However, as cataracts grow, prescription lenses may no longer work to improve your sight. Once cataracts reach the stage where you cannot see clearly to perform daily tasks, your eye doctor will recommend cataract surgery to restore your sight. Cataract surgery entails removing the cloudy natural lens of your eye and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens to give you clear sight.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Advances in cataract surgery technology have made this procedure a safe, effective treatment for cataracts. In fact, cataract surgery has a 99% success rate in restoring visual clarity. Most patients experience good vision and recovery within a week of the procedure. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be completed in our office. Our Wauwatosa ophthalmologist will treat one eye at a time. After the first eye has healed, we will treat the other to restore your sight.
See Our Wauwatosa, WI, Ophthalmologist for Cataract Surgery
At the office of DeCarlo Eye Center in Wauwatosa, our skilled ophthalmology team has years of experience in performing cataract surgery to help you obtain optimal results from your treatment. To schedule a consultation for cataract surgery, contact us today at (414) 476-5120.