What Are Cataracts? Causes, Detection & Preventing Cataracts

Cataracts pose a common challenge as we age, impacting our vision and quality of life. But what are cataracts, what causes cataracts and how do they affect your eyesight? In this guide, we’ll explain what they are, how they impact your vision and if there are ways to prevent cataracts from progressing.

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision and potentially blindness if left untreated. They are one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults, affecting millions of Americans each year. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, more than half of Americans will have cataracts or surgery to correct them by age 80. Because they develop slowly, early cataract detection is vital to protecting your long-term eye health.

Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, and anyone can develop them, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity. As you age, proteins in your eye’s lens clump together, creating cloudiness that impacts vision. Cataracts may begin forming in your 40s or 50s, but noticeable symptoms may not appear until after age 60. Genetics also plays a role, increasing your risk if an immediate family member has had them.

Other less common causes of cataracts include:

• Chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure
• Overexposure to sunlight
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Long-term steroid use
• Eye injuries

Identifying symptoms, such as blurry vision and sensitivity to glare, is crucial for early intervention.

Cataracts develop gradually, clouding the eye’s natural lens and making it harder to see clearly. Cloudy lenses distort light as it enters the eyes, leading to these common symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Dulled color vision
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Poor night vision
• Glare from the sun, headlights and other light sources
• Double vision

As the condition progresses, everyday activities, such as reading, driving or even recognizing faces, become more difficult. Vision loses sharpness and detail, creating a constant haze that affects your independence and confidence.

Cataracts also influence more than just your eyesight; they can affect your mental health. Struggling to see clearly can make social interactions harder since it becomes more difficult to read nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. This barrier can lead to feelings of frustration or isolation over time.
The emotional impact is just as significant. Daily tasks that were once effortless may feel stressful. Additionally, worries about accidents or further vision loss can negatively impact your overall well-being.

Ultimately, cataracts prevent you from fully enjoying life’s most meaningful moments. From watching the beautiful Fort Myers or Naples sunsets to seeing the expressions on loved ones’ faces, the world becomes less vibrant and more difficult to experience.

Early cataract detection starts with visiting the professionals. Understanding what are cataracts can help you recognize symptoms sooner. So contact your eye doctor if you start noticing any of these cataract symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Dull color vision and difficulty discerning colors
• Poor night vision
• Double vision
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Glare from the sun, headlights and other light sources
• Frequently changing eyewear prescription
• Noticeably cloudy eyes

At your eye appointment, your optometrist will provide a cataract evaluation, test for symptoms and provide a diagnosis. During this cataract detection process, be prepared for your eye doctor to:

• Ask questions about your medical history and what symptoms you’re experiencing
• Perform a visual acuity test to determine how well you see at different distances
• Conduct a visual field test to assess your peripheral vision
• Examine the lenses of your eyes to check for clouding and other signs of cataracts

Many risk factors for cataracts are out of your control, including your age and genetics. Still, you can do a few simple things to protect your eye health and lower the risk of cataracts later in life. Here are some tips on how to prevent cataracts from progressing.

• Quit smoking
• Avoid heavy alcohol consumption
• Wear protective goggles while playing sports, performing home repairs, working in the yard or handling chemicals
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection
• Manage existing diabetes and high blood pressure
• Maintain a healthy weight to prevent chronic diseases
• Schedule routine eye exams
• Arrange a Cataract Screening at Snead Eye Group

Knowing what are cataracts is the first step. You can catch cataracts early and preserve clear vision for as long as possible by making these healthy lifestyle choices and staying consistent with eye exams.

Cataract surgery isn’t just a corrective procedure; it has also emerged as an effective proactive approach to preventing cataracts from further impairing vision. Advancements in medical technology have transformed surgery into a highly effective strategy for preventing cataracts.

During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). By addressing the cloudy lens early on, the risk of complications decreases and the potential for maintaining long-term clarity improves. For many patients, understanding what to expect from cataract surgery helps them feel confident about choosing early intervention.

Not only does it preserve and enhance vision, but it can also lead to an improved quality of life. Early intervention with surgery ensures that the cloudy lens is addressed before it significantly impacts daily activities and social interactions. Preserving clarity and preventing cataract progression is within reach.

Choosing the right eye care provider is paramount for achieving optimal outcomes in cataract surgery. Dr. Brad Snead is a distinguished ophthalmologist in Southwest Florida. With more than two decades of experience in ophthalmology, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every patient interaction. His specialized training ensures that you get the highest standard of care that’s tailored to your unique needs.

With more than $1 million in state-of-the-art detection technology, skilled surgeons and personalized care, Snead Eye Group is here to guide you through every step of your journey toward clearer vision. Trust our expert approach to cataract prevention and treatment. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward clearer vision with confidence.