Are you seeing objects less clearly? Are they appearing blurry or foggy? If yes, it might be time to schedule a consultation for cataract surgery Los Angeles to try and remedy your vision problems. Before you undergo eye surgery, here are some information to understand what cataracts are and what the best solution to help you see 20/20 again is!
What Are Cataracts?
The eye contains a natural lens which bends, or in ophthalmology terms, refracts light rays that enter the eye to help us see. This lens should be clear to have optimal vision. Normally, when the eye is healthy with a clear lens, light passes through and focuses on the retina.
When a person has cataracts, the clear lens in their eye becomes cloudy. Many patients with cataracts see things as if they were looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When light passes through the cloudy lens, it can’t focus clearly on the retina and that causes objects to appear hazy or blurred. This clouded vision can impact reading, driving a car (especially at night) or even seeing expressions on friends’ faces. When dealing with cataracts, you must address them quickly as to avoid becoming like people who have them and experience a blurry and less colorful vision.
Unfortunately, cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 40. It is actually the main cause of blindness throughout the world! That is why it is so important to consult with a medical professional for cataract surgery in Los Angeles if you suspect you have them. The following are several common types of cataracts:
Cortical cataract: This is distinguished by white wedge-like opacities that begin in the periphery of the lens and travel towards the center in a spoke-like way. This cataract happens in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that encircles the central nucleus.
Nuclear cataract: This is formed deep within the nucleus of the eye’s lens. Nuclear cataracts are usually found in older patients.
Subcapsular cataract: This happens at the back of the lens. Diabetics or individuals taking high doses of steroid medications have an increased risk of developing subcapsular cataracts.
Congenital cataract: This type you are born with or develop during childhood. Congenital cataracts can be genetic or linked to an intrauterine infection or trauma. They also occur because of specific conditions such as myotonic dystrophy, galactosemia, neurofibromatosis type 2 or rubella. Some people with congenital cataracts have no issues with their vision. However, if they do, the cataracts are typically removed as soon as they are discovered.
What Are The Symptoms of Cataracts?
When you start to see the below changes in your vision, you may want to consider cataract surgery Los Angeles.
- Extra sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Seeing double
- Trouble seeing at night, or you require more light when you read
- Bright colors seem faded or yellow
How Do You Get Cataracts?
The most common reason why people develop cataracts is simply due to aging. At around the age of 40, the eyes begin to deteriorate. The normal proteins in the lens begin to break down and the lens can become cloudy, though many might not experience vision complications until years later, if at all. Other causes of cataracts are the following:
- Medical conditions such as diabetes
- An eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on the upper body
- Parents, siblings or other family members who have cataracts
- Spending time in the sun without sunglasses with UV protection
- Taking medications such as corticosteroids or statins can cause early-onset cataracts
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Hormone replacement therapy
- High myopia
A majority of age-related cataracts develop gradually. However, other forms of cataracts can develop rapidly, such as the types found in younger individuals or diabetics. Sadly, there isn’t a way for doctors to predict how fast a patient’s cataract will develop.
Can Lasik Surgery Correct Cataracts?
When a trained ophthalmologist discovers a patient has cataracts, many people think that LASIK is the sure solution. However, LASIK surgery often cannot correct vision loss caused by cataracts.
Cataracts worsen over time; which means cataract surgery is a more suitable option. That’s why LASIK surgery isn’t usually recommended to correct cataracts.
Despite this fact, there are exceptions. If an individual has small congenital cataracts that are steady and are not immensely affecting the person’s vision, LASIK may still be an option. Again, it all depends on the size and stability of these.
For other types of cataracts, as soon as the symptoms begin to appear, you can improve your vision for a while with a pair of new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, the right lighting or other visual aid methods. Your doctor will consider you for surgery when your cataracts have developed to the extent that they are impairing your vision and preventing you from carrying out your daily routine.
Some people take aging and poor vision hand in hand, however, cataract surgery Los Angeles is a simple and painless procedure that can help you regain your vision and improve your life. If you think you might be suffering from cataracts or are still researching your options, call our representatives at Excel Laser Vision Institute who will be happy to help. Contact us at +1 866 923 9235 to discuss cataracts or laser eye surgery, advantages, and other aspects you are concerned about.
