What is a Cataract?
Our eyes have a natural lens behind the iris (coloured part of the eye) and the pupil that helps focus light/images on the retina. Over time the lens clouds over and can slowly blur up the vision.
What causes a Cataract?
Cataract is a natural part of aging but cataracts can also be caused by previous injury to the eye and using medications long term like steroids. Other risk factors that increase your risk of cataracts include diabetes, smoking and exposure to UV rays.
What are symptoms of a Cataract?
As cataracts get worse you may notice increased glare and blurriness of vision. You may also notice poor night vision and dull/fading or yellowing of colours. Other symptoms include “halos” around light or double vision in one eye.
Is there any way to prevent Cataracts?
There is no way to prevent cataracts but there are definitely things you can do to slow it down.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes against the UV rays. Sunglasses should be worn in winter and summer, whether it’s cloudy or sunny outside. Our eyewear boutique has many sunwear options to protect your eyes.
- A Healthy Diet – eat a lot of fruit and vegetables to give you the nutrients your body needs. I also recommend quitting smoking.
- Schedule regular eye examinations to monitor your eye health and detect any eye conditions including cataracts.
What is the treatment for Cataracts?
Cataract surgery involves replacing the natural cloudy lens of the eye with an intraocular (artificial) lens implant. The new lens is positioned where the old lens used to sit. There is also an option to have the new lens made with prescription to help you see clearer.
If you have any questions about your eyes or the health of your eyes, schedule an eye exam with our Stoney Creek eye doctors at Perception Eyecare. Call us at (289) 309 – 1090 or email us at [email protected]
