Cataracts are very common in older people, and they affect how a person refracts light in the eye. At Holicki Eye Center & Optical in Coldwater, Sturgis, and Angola, our eye doctors can detect cataracts with state-of-the-art technology, and provide eye care treatment for them.
What Is a Cataract?
Cataracts occur when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The clear lens helps our eyes to focus light onto the retina. As we age, the proteins in our lens can clump up, making it harder to see clearly.
Who Is At Risk For Cataracts?
Age is the most common cause of cataracts, but certain factors put you at higher risk. This includes:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Excessive drinking
- Smoking
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Previous eye injury
- Previous eye surgery
What Are the Symptoms Of Cataracts?
In the early stages, cataracts show no symptoms. As the condition progresses, you can begin to experience:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Seeing halos around lights
- Colors appear faded or yellow
- Needing brighter lights for reading
- Requiring frequent prescription changes
- Double vision in one eye
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
Cataracts can be diagnosed during an annual eye exam. There are a few tests that can detect this condition.
- Visual acuity test: This is an eye chart that determines how well you can see without vision correction.
- Slit-lamp exam: This test allows your eye doctors to get a close-up look at various sections of the eye, making it possible to detect cataracts and tiny abnormalities.
- Tonometry: Your eye doctor will apply numbing drops to your eye and measure your eye pressure with an instrument.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
In the early stages, a stronger eye prescription may be all that you need to treat your symptoms. As the condition progresses, cataract surgery may be necessary.
What Does Cataract Surgery Involve?
Cataract surgery is a procedure our eye doctors can perform at our clinic. During the procedure, our eye doctor will remove your eye's natural lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens.
Get the Eye Doctors Care That You Need For Cataracts in Coldwater, Sturgis, and Angola
If you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts, schedule an appointment with Holicki Eye Center & Optical by calling 517-279-7927. Our doctors treat patients in Coldwater, Sturgis, and Angola. If we suspect that you have cataracts or any other condition, we will provide the essential eye care you need.
