Cataracts
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts affect nearly half of men and women 60-years-old and older. Cataracts occur when the natural protein in the lens of your eye begins to clump together, clouding the lens. Cataracts are often small at first, and do not interfere too badly with vision. However, over time, they may become big enough that surgery is necessary to replace the clouded lens with a clear artificial lens in order to restore your vision.
Symptoms of cataracts can include:
- Vision becoming blurry
- Glares
- Halos
- Loss of vibrant color vision
- Poor night vision
If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, contact American Eye Associates to make an appointment for an eye exam. We can determine if you have cataracts and come up with a treatment plan for you.
At American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge treatments, expert surgical techniques, and the latest diagnostic services that will help you live your most healthy and comfortable life. We are happy to offer ophthalmology services to men and women in San Diego, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas of Imperial County, California. Contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with one of our expert ophthalmologists today.
What Are Cataracts?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Risk Factors for Cataracts?
Age is the main risk factor for developing cataracts. Infants and children can be affected by congenital cataracts, which are present from birth; however, the vast majority of people suffering from cataracts are over the age of 60.
Other risk factors for developing cataracts can include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Poor nutrition
- Previous eye trauma or eye surgery
If you are at risk for cataracts and start to notice changes in your vision, see us as soon as possible for an eye exam. Many of the risk factors for cataracts are the same as for other types of eye disease, such as macular degeneration, so regular eye exams are highly important in order to monitor your eye health and catch problems early.