Cataracts
Protect your eyes and reduce your risk for this common eye condition.
Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions and a leading cause of vision problems for people over 50. By age 80, most Americans either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the pupil. They can develop slowly and may first appear as slight blurriness, glare, or dim vision—especially noticeable in bright light or at night. Cataracts typically affect both eyes, but not always evenly.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurry or dim vision
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Faded or yellowed colors
- Halos around lights
- Needing brighter light to read
- Double vision in one eye
- Difficulty driving at night
Who is at risk?
While aging is the main cause, several factors can increase your risk:
- Excessive sunlight exposure
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Long-term steroid use
- Eye injury, inflammation, or surgery
- Family history of cataracts
Prevention and protection
You can’t always prevent cataracts, but you can reduce your risk and slow their progression:
- Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Diagnosis and treatment
Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam using advanced imaging and slit-lamp evaluation. In the early stages, stronger prescriptions or better lighting may help. When vision loss interferes with daily activities, cataract surgery—a safe, effective procedure to replace the clouded lens—can restore clear sight.
At Valley Vision Center, we’re dedicated to helping you see clearly at every stage of life. Call to schedule your appointment.