Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts

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In the past, cataracts were a leading cause of blindness. Today, this condition can be successfully treated by a qualified optometrist. They are still problematic, though. Cataracts affect millions of people worldwide, and they drastically impair vision the worse they get. If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts in Brunswick, GA and you have questions, here is some valuable information.

What Exactly Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are not growths, like many people believe. Often, people refer to having their cataracts “removed,” but this isn’t accurate. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens is just behind the iris and the pupil. The backside of the lens is exposed to the vitreous body of the eye. When a person has cataracts, the lens gets increasingly cloudy, eventually causing blindness, since light is unable to enter the eye. This condition develops slowly, and a number of years may pass before the lens completely clouds over.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Symptoms of cataracts are often readily observed in both the patient and the examining optometrist. Patients may exhibit:

  • cloudiness of the eye
  • blurriness
  • cloudy vision
  • impaired night vision
  • sensitivity to glare
  • less vibrant colors
  • and more

The best way to determine if you have cataracts is with an eye exam. Professional diagnosis is the only certain way to know if you have developing cataracts or another eye condition. Your optometrist will use a range of tests that may include a slit-lamp exam, retinal exam, visual acuity test and more.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

As noted, cataracts are not a growth that can simply be removed. The standard treatment for cataracts is eye surgery, which involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgical procedures performed today, and there is an extremely low risk factor. There are different types of IOLs available, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses, each offering varying degrees of vision correction. Your optometrist will go over these options with you before surgery.

Not everyone gets cataracts as they age, but many do. It’s certainly worth undergoing a simple eye exam on a routine basis to check. Contact your Brunswick, GA optometrist to book an appointment today.

How to Prevent Cataracts Naturally

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There’s nothing more frightening than losing your eyesight. If you have cataracts and don’t get them treated, they can, in fact, cause you to go blind. That’s why it’s so important to see your optometrist in Jessup, GA, annually.

The doctor will monitor your eyesight so they can detect and provide cataract treatment in Jessup, GA, as soon as they begin rather than waiting until those issues have caused irreversible damage. The good news is that there is something you can do to help prevent cataracts naturally.

How to Prevent Cataracts Naturally

Here is what you can do to help keep from getting cataracts.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day, you are at a much greater risk of developing cataracts later in your life. So, if you smoke, it’s to your benefit to try and quit.

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

There is some correlation between long-term exposure to ultraviolet light and the development of cataracts. So, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, please talk with your eye doctor about the best way to protect your eyes while you’re outside.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam annually. Cataract testing is performed every two years. After the age of 65, you should have a cataract exam each year.

Properly Manage Cataract Causing Medical Conditions

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or are obese, it’s important that you manage those conditions to help avoid cataracts. Make sure you keep your blood sugar under control, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and lose weight.

Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Consuming antioxidant-rich foods like yellow and dark, leafy green vegetables. The lutein and zeaxanthin they contain will lower your risk of developing cataracts.

Increase Your Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Getting enough omega-3 fatty acids will help your body fight inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in seafood, walnuts, and flaxseed. The more omega-3 fatty acids you consume, the lower your chances of developing cataracts are.

Looking for an Optometrist in Jessup, GA?

Follow the steps above to try and keep from getting cataracts. Then, make sure you schedule annual exams so your eye doctor can catch and treat any issues early. Please Contact Vision Source Family Eye Care today. We want to help you keep your eyes shining clear and bright.

Why Cataract Surgery may be Right for You

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A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in your eye that affects your vision. As we age, it becomes increasingly common for the lens to become cloudy, causing images to become blurry and dull. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a safe and effective solution for restoring clear vision.

The proficient team at Vision Source Signature Eye Care of Jesup, GA, is proud to serve communities in order to have excellent access to all forms of premium eye-care services to help restore confidence in your sight.

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is a natural aging process that occurs in the lens of your eye. The lens is usually straightforward but can become cloudy and cause vision problems over time. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 40 and are a common reason for seeking vision correction procedures.

Why is Cataract Surgery Important?

Cataract surgery is an important procedure for those struggling with this condition. There are a number of benefits to this surgery, including:

Restores Clear Vision

The primary goal of cataract surgery is to restore clear vision. By removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, patients can see more clearly and enjoy improved visual acuity.

Improves Quality of Life

Cataract surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for those with this condition. By restoring clear vision, patients can more easily participate in activities they enjoy and be more independent and self-sufficient.

Reduces Dependence on Glasses or Contacts

For those who are dependent on glasses or contacts to see clearly, cataract surgery can significantly reduce this dependence. With precise vision, many patients no longer need glasses or contacts in many different circumstances.

Your Trusted Eye Care Professionals

If you are considering cataract surgery, it is essential to work with trusted eye care professionals who can help you determine if this procedure is correct. They can answer your questions and provide the information you need to make an informed decision. During your next appointment with the quality team at Vision Source Signature Eye Care of Jesup, GA, you can be extremely sure that you are receiving the best care and guidance that you and your family deserve.