While cataracts are common, they can cause serious visual impairment without proper management and ongoing treatment. At Seeta Eye Centers, our team of ophthalmologists in Yorktown Heights and Poughkeepsie, NY, specialize in diagnosing and treating cataracts to restore your vision and improve your quality of life. Before you visit us, continue reading to learn about some common causes and symptoms of this condition!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts cause a cloudy area in the lens of the eye, which makes it difficult to see clearly. Over time, this clouding can worsen, progressively reducing your ability to see details and colors. If left untreated, cataracts may eventually cause severe vision loss, making daily tasks harder to manage.
Common Causes of Cataracts
Cataracts can occur due to a variety of causes, including:
• Aging: Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. As proteins in the eye break down and clump together, they lead to cloudiness and blurred vision.
• Diabetes: Blood sugar issues and conditions such as diabetes can also contribute to the development and onset of cataracts in individuals of all ages.
• Excess UV Radiation Exposure: Exposure to harmful UV rays can also increase the risk of developing cataracts.
• Family History: A genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of experiencing the condition, as cataracts may run in families.
Cataracts Symptoms
Those with cataracts may experience various symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
• Blurry and distorted vision
• Difficulty seeing while driving at night
• Faded or yellowed colors in the visual field
• Frequent prescription changes
• Double vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
Diagnosing Cataracts
Our eye surgeons in Poughkeepsie and Yorktown Heights can help diagnose cataracts and recommend the necessary treatment. Some tests we utilize for a diagnosis include:
• Tonometry: This measures the IOP, or intraocular pressure in the eye, ruling out additional conditions such as glaucoma
• Retinal Exam: A retinal exam can check for other issues after dilating your pupils
• Visual Acuity Test: A visual acuity test can measure how well you see at various distances
• Slit-Lamp: Slit-lamp examinations help examine the structure of the front of your eye to check for curvature abnormalities.
Contact Us for an Appointment Today
Whether you need treatment for cataracts or eye surgery, our team at Seeta Eye Centers in Poughkeepsie and Yorktown Heights, NY, can help. To schedule your first appointment, contact our Poughkeepsie office at (845) 454-1025 or our Yorktown Heights location at (845) 440-1175. We look forward to improving your vision!
