Cataracts are progressive and worsen over time. They are a natural part of the aging process and affect more than 22 million Americans. In fact, cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and are the principal cause of blindness in the world.
Cataracts cause diminished vision and, if left untreated, the potential of total vision loss. An ophthalmologist will dilate your eyes to determine whether or not you have a cataract. It is not detectable with the naked eye unless it is very dense.
There are different types of cataracts. The most common are nuclear, cortical and posterior sub-capsular. A nuclear cataract forms in the center of the lens and causes it to become yellow or brown. A cortical cataract forms around the edge and is characterized by white opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the center. A posterior sub-capsular cataract forms in the back part of the lens near the lens capsule.
Cataracts generally develop slowly with no pain, but some can be rapidly progressive. The vision can become blurry, hazy and foggy and colors may appear faded and dull. Some of the most common symptoms are increased glare and light sensitivity. Night-driving can become more troublesome due to rings of light and halos.
Patients experience different symptoms with cataracts. If your vision is bothersome, please contact CarlinVision at 770.979.2020 or carlinvision.com so one of our board-certified ophthalmologists can determine the reason you aren’t seeing as clearly as you should. If you have a cataract, we will teach you about the condition and all your treatment options.
Carlin Vision is located at 2377 Lenora Church Rd, Snellville, GA 30078
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