Cataracts

Learning More About Cataracts

Cataracts develop as a normal aging process of the natural lens inside of your eye. The crystalline lens, which is normally clear, gradually becomes opaque or cloudy. Depending on its size and location, it can interfere with vision causing symptoms of glare, halos, light sensitivity or blurry vision at distance or near. Most cataracts develop over the age of 55 years; however cataracts can occur in infants or second to trauma or systemic medicines. Uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, and exposure to ultraviolet light can also accelerate the process of cataract formation. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but sometimes with variant stages between the two eyes causing symptoms worse in one eye than the other.

The crystalline lens sits behind the iris and is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. A normal clear lens also has flexibility to allow us to focus at various distances of vision. As we mature, changes in the proteins and lens fibers cause the lens to become cloudy and lose its flexibility.

With the formation of cataracts, activities like reading, driving, and hobbies can become difficult. Fortunately, with advances in surgical technique and the development of advanced technology lens implants, improved vision begins almost immediately after cataract surgery. At the Brumm Eye Center, doctors will assess the degree of cataract formation and discuss the best treatment options that will fit your needs. The Brumm Eye Center has been helping patients improve their vision with cataract surgery for over 40 years, using the most advanced surgical techniques for safer and faster vision restoration.