Cataract FAQs from an Optometrist Near You in Chico, CA
In a healthy eye, the lens focuses light on the retina, and your optic nerves send a focused image to the brain. Due to an eye injury or, more generally, aging, our lenses deteriorate and form cataracts, which leads to cloudy vision and a reduced ability to see bright colors. If you have cloudy vision and live in the Chico, CA, area, we at Chico Vision Care Optometry have an eye doctor near you to help treat your vision issues.
How Common Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are the most common reason for vision loss among people over 60, with more than half of those over 80 having cataracts.
Do Cataracts Cause Pain?
Cataracts are not painful per se, but they increasingly interfere with day-to-day functioning as the disease progresses, leading to emotional pain, inconvenience, and potential safety concerns.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
The most common signs of cataracts are blurry or cloudy vision, poor night vision, and a reduced ability to see bright or vibrant colors. Halos around lights and glare are also common symptoms. Cataracts can only be diagnosed by an optometrist or another eye doctor.
Besides Aging, What Factors Contribute to Developing Cataracts?
While age is the primary factor contributing to the development of cataracts, other contributors include:
- Certain acute eye injuries
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
- Diabetes
- Smoking and alcohol use
You should wear UV-shielding sunglasses, manage your blood sugar levels, and eliminate or reduce tobacco and alcohol use.
What Can I Do to Manage the Effects of Cataracts?
During the early stages of cataracts, people can use brighter lighting and wear anti-glare sunglasses. However, over time, most reach a point where their cataracts interfere with everyday life to the point that they need surgery to function normally.
What Happens during Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is among the most successful procedures available today, with nine in ten patients having improved vision afterward. The primary surgery involves removing the clouded lens and implanting an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients start benefiting from improved vision within days of the surgery.
Get Eye Care and Optometrist Services from an Eye Doctor Near You
Choose Chico Vision Care Optometry in Chico, CA, for your eye care needs. We can diagnose and treat cataracts and other vision conditions. Call us at (530) 342-9644 for eye care and optometrist services from an eye doctor near you.