Cataracts typically appear when you are in your 40s or 50s, even though they may not affect your vision much later. They also occur at birth or may develop due to infections that occurred during pregnancy. Being the world’s leading cause of blindness, it is essential to recognize its treatment and diagnosis.
 

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are an eye condition that occurs when the eye lens develops a cloudy patch. These patches grow over time if left untreated, thereby causing blurred vision. On some patients, they appear in just one eye, and on others, in both. If left untreated, cataracts cause blindness.

When cataracts affect older people, it is usually caused by protein buildup in the eye over time. In other cases, they may appear due to eye injury or trauma. On babies, they appear at birth.
 

Types of Cataracts

Cataracts occur in different types depending on where and how they develop in the eye. They include:
 

• Nuclear cataracts, which occur in the middle of the lens, causing a yellow-brown discoloration
   

• Cortical cataracts, which usually are wedge-shaped and occur around the nucleus edges
   

• Congenital cataracts, which occur in babies or at birth
   

• Secondary cataracts, which can be caused by disease or medication. These cataracts are linked with diabetes or glaucoma. Some medications also lead to cataracts
   

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts typically result in vision impairment. Once you detect a cloudy patch developing on your eye lens, seek treatment immediately. Early detection helps with treatments and the prevention of total blindness. Cataract symptoms include:

• Blurred or misty vision
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Faded color vision
   

• Seeing a ‘halo’ in bright lights
  
   

Diagnosis

Your eye doctor will perform an eye examination to determine whether you have cataracts. Several techniques may be carried out to evaluate your vision. Cataracts diagnosis includes:
 

• Vision Acuity Test

  • A visual acuity test will check the quality of your vision. The eye specialist will ask you to read a chart. Performing poorly does not indicate the presence of a cataract. However, poor results indicate poor vision, and you may still need treatment.
     

• Dilated Eye Exam

  • Your eye doctor will administer eye drops to dilate the eye. A unique optical lens will help our eye doctor to detect any abnormalities on the retina. Your eye will remain dilated after a while; therefore, you will wear tinted lenses to protect your eyes.
     

• Tonometry

  • Tonometry tests the pressure inside the eye. Since constant pressure contributes to cataract formation, detecting pressure is necessary.
    
     

Treatment of Cataracts

Surgery is the most recommended way of treating cataracts. However, your doctor will ask you to consider it when it prevents you from going about your daily activities. It is also necessary when cataracts interfere with other eye problem’s treatments.

Phacoemulsification is a cataract removal surgery that involves the use of ultrasound waves. These waves break the lens apart and remove the pieces. An Etracapsular surgery will remove the cloudy part from your eye lens. Once it is removed, the eye doctor will replace your natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens.

For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, visit our skilled optometrists at Federal Hill Eye Care today in Baltimore, Maryland. We provide the highest quality eye care for all our customers. Schedule an appointment with our eye specialists at 410-752-8208.