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What Is Having Cataracts Really Like?
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in Cataracts
Despite cataracts being the most prevalent source of blindness in the world, many people don’t know what it’s like to have them. This is because cataracts primarily affect the older population.
Cataracts start to begin after the age of 40, but may not affect vision until much later. One thing you should know is that developing cataracts is inevitable.
Don’t let that scare you because they are very easy to have removed! So how can you best prepare for cataracts?
You should start with how to identify them. Keep reading for an idea of what cataracts are really like!
Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts develop in the lens of the eye. They are made up of proteins that break down and clump together.
As the clumps of proteins grow in size and density, they stop light from reaching the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that handles detecting images.
If it’s deprived of light, it results in vision loss. But the loss of eyesight is not the only symptom you need to look out for. Other cataract symptoms include:
Glare
Certain kinds of cataracts cause the light to scatter inside of your eye and bounce around. This can be painful and distracting.
Loss of contrast
Mature cataracts become yellow as they grow. This causes colors to take on the same tint and become faded.
Halos
You may begin to notice circular halos appearing around light fixtures and headlights of cars.
Double vision
Cataracts may cause you to see multiples of the object that you are focusing on.
Second sight
Cataracts may actually cause your vision to improve, at least temporarily. This happens when the cataract causes the lens of the eye to swell.
When the lens swells, it may counteract a previous refractive error. Vision will worsen as the cataract becomes cloudier and more pronounced.
If you notice any changes to your vision, you should see your eye doctor. You can schedule an appointment at Georgia Eye Associates.
Living with Cataracts and Cataract Removal
Most kinds of cataracts take years to develop to the point that they need removal. Cataract surgery doesn’t become necessary until your daily life is being affected.
If you can no longer complete your everyday tasks, it may be time for surgery. It is possible to live with cataracts for years before having them removed!
You may need new glasses or need to get creative about your vision. If you ever feel unsafe while driving, you should stop driving.
Cataract surgery is actually about as easy as it gets when it comes to surgery. The surgeon opens up your cornea and uses an instrument to break apart the eye’s lens.
After breaking apart and removing the lens, it’s replaced it with an artificial one. The incision is closed (it will not need stitches) and recovery can begin.
Cataract surgery is very successful and safe, but you will still need to learn a lot to prepare. Concerned that you may need cataract surgery?
Schedule a cataract screening at Georgia Eye Associates in Atlanta, GA! Why wait if you’ve lived with cataracts and know they need to go?
Tags: Cataract Surgery Atlanta, Cataract Surgery Buckhead, Cataracts Atlanta, Cataracts Buckhead, Georgia Eye Associates
