People of all ages can develop cataracts, but they most commonly occur in adults over 40. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. Our optometrists at The Center for Eye Care and Optical in West Islip can perform comprehensive eye exams to check for cataracts and other eye health problems.

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts usually develop slowly and painlessly, and many people don't realize they have them until their vision has become noticeably blurred. Other common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Difficulty seeing at night
• Double vision in one eye
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Glare or halos around lights
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

What Causes Cataracts?

Most cataracts are age-related. As we age, the proteins in our eye lenses start to break down and clump together, causing the lenses to become cloudy. Other causes of cataracts include smoking, diabetes, certain eye injuries or diseases, and prolonged sun exposure to ultraviolet rays.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

Surgery is the only way to remove cataracts. Our eye surgeon will perform phacoemulsification, which uses sound waves to break up the cloudy lens so it can be suctioned out of the eye. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) will then be inserted in its place.

How are Cataracts Diagnosed?

During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will check your eyes for cataracts and other eye problems. They will look at your eye lenses through a magnifying lens to evaluate their clarity. A vision exam can also help rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Why is it Important to Treat Cataracts?

If left untreated, cataracts will eventually cause vision loss. Vision exams can help catch cataracts early before they cause significant damage. If you think you might have cataracts, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve your vision.

How Can I Prevent Cataracts?

There is no sure way to prevent cataracts, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk, such as:

• Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption

Book an Appointment With Our Eye Doctors for an Eye Exam

Schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors if it's been more than a year since your last eye exam. At The Center for Eye Care and Optical in West Islip, we perform comprehensive eye exams to check for cataracts and other eye health problems. Call our team today at (631) 422-1110 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.