Cataracts

Cataracts can make the world look cloudy and affect your ability to read, drive and enjoy life. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our eye care specialists perform cataract surgery and offer other vision-correcting treatments that help you see more clearly.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a cloudy area that forms on the lens of your eye. You can have a cataract in one or both eyes.

The curved lenses of your eyes are naturally clear, like the lens on a smartphone camera. A lens absorbs incoming light and sends it to the retina in the back of each eye. The lens changes shape during this process to help your eye focus. A cataract clouds the eye lens, as well as your vision.

Causes of cataracts

Cataracts occur when proteins that make up the eye lens break down. The damaged proteins then form a clump that clouds the lens.

This breakdown is a natural occurrence. It often starts in your 40s and gradually worsens as you get older. In some cases, certain health conditions, eye diseases and eye surgeries can lead to cataracts.

Cataract symptoms

You may not notice when a cataract first develops. Symptoms tend to worsen as more of the eye lens becomes cloudy. Common cataract signs include:

• Blurry, cloudy vision
• Colors that look faded or washed out
• Difficulty reading or seeing at night
• Glares or halos around lights
• Seeing double
• Sensitivity to sunlight, car headlights, lamps and other lights

Cataract types

Types of cataracts include:

• Age-related cataracts: Age-related cataracts are the most common. They cause a gradual clouding of one or both eye lenses as you grow older.
• Pediatric cataracts: Pediatric cataracts may be present at birth (congenital) ordevelop during childhood.
• Secondary cataracts: Also called posterior capsular opacification, secondary cataracts are a treatable complication of cataract surgery.Cloudy areas form on the membrane that covers your eye lens (lens capsule).
• Traumatic cataracts: An eye injury causes a cataract.

Cataract diagnosis

Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose a cataract. Cataract testing typically starts at age 60.  But your doctor may want to test you sooner if you have symptoms or risk factors.

These tests can help detect cataracts:

• Visual acuity (eye chart) test to gauge how well each eye can see
• Retinal exam, which includes dilating your eyes to examine your lenses and retinas
• Slit lamp test to view structures inside your eyes using a special microscope and bright light

Cataract risk factors

Several factors may increase your risk of developing cataracts, including:

• Addiction to alcohol or tobacco
• Diabetes and diabetic eye disorders
• Environmental toxins, such as pollution and secondhand smoke
• Eye injury, diseases or surgery
• Family history of cataracts
• Long-term use of corticosteroids
• Radiation therapy to the upper body
• Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure

Cataract prevention

Actions that may help lower your chances of developing cataracts include:

• Avoiding toxins like secondhand smoke
• Managing chronic health conditions like diabetes
• Seeking help to quit alcohol and smoking
• Wearing protective eyewear when playing sports or using tools that might injure your eyes
• Wearing sunglasses and hats to protect your eyes from UV light

Cataract treatments

Not all cataracts need treatment. In some instances, eyeglasses or contact lenses can help you see more clearly.

However, your eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery if a cataract negatively affects your vision and ability to complete daily tasks. During cataract surgery, your doctor removes the clouded eye lens and replaces it with a permanent intraocular lens (IOL).