Our Bridgeport and Stratford Optometrist Team Answers Your Cataracts FAQs
At Family Vision Center in Stratford and Bridgeport, CT, our optometry team provides supportive care for men and women living with cataracts. We gladly take the time necessary to answer our patients' questions about cataracts and ensure they are informed about this common cause of vision loss.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a cloudy, opaque-like discoloration of the clear lens inside one or both eyes. The lens sits behind the colored part of your eye and helps light focus inside your eye so you can see clearly. Cataracts develop when the fibers within the lens change structure and shape.
What Causes Cataracts?
Age-related tissue changes in the eye are a leading cause of cataracts, affecting about 1 in 5 people over the age of 65. While rare, children can also be born with cataracts (congenital cataracts).
People who may be more at risk for developing cataracts include individuals who smoke, have a history of eye trauma or eye surgery, have a history of excessive sunlight exposure, have prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, consume too much alcohol, have a family history of cataracts, and/or have other underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts?
Cataracts usually develop without symptoms for months or even years. Once a cataract is big enough to disrupt the way light enters the eye, a person might experience:
- Blurry or dim vision
- Double vision
- The appearance of circular light or "halos" around bright light sources
- The need to change prescription eyewear frequently
- Decreased color vision and nighttime vision
- Increased light and glare sensitivity
How Are Cataracts Treated?
Once a cataract forms and becomes large enough to impair vision, the only treatment option is surgery to remove the damaged cataract and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract removal surgery is a relatively simple procedure performed by an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye health conditions).
Our Stratford and Bridgeport optometrist team provides essential eye care for individuals preparing for or recovering from cataract removal surgery. Here are a few things we can do to help:
- Offer routine eye exams to promote earlier detection and management of cataracts.
- Ensure prescription eyewear is up-to-date.
- Monitor patient recovery to minimize the risk of post-operative complications.
- Provide patient education regarding lifestyle modifications and low vision strategies.
Concerned about Cataracts?
Contact the Family Vision Center to schedule an eye exam with one of our experienced doctors of optometry today:
- Bridgeport: (203) 333-2020
- Stratford: (203) 377-2020