Cataracts

Cataracts

Cataracts are a relatively common condition of the eye. Cataracts occur when protein deposits build up over the eye's clear lens. Cataracts can cause vision problems, but fortunately, this condition can be treated and managed. Here at Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, our optometrists are able to deliver quality eye care for managing and treating cataracts.

If you believe that you have cataracts, schedule an appointment with Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines.

Who Is At Risk For Cataracts?

While anyone can develop cataracts, certain factors increase your chances of developing this condition. These include:

    • Being 60-years-old or older
    • Diabetes
    • Obesity
    • High blood pressure
    • Previous eye injury
    • Previous eye surgery
    • Excessive exposure to sunlight
    • Drinking alcohol in excess
    • Prolonged use of corticosteroids

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

In the early stages, you may not know that you have cataracts. Over time, this condition can cause a number of symptoms. These include:

    • Cloudy vision, people with cataracts compare their vision to looking out a dirty window.
    • Frequent changes in the eyeglass prescription
    • Blurry vision
    • Seeing colors less brightly
    • Yellowing of colors
    • Seeing halos around lights
    • Sensitivity to light and glare
    • Trouble driving at night
    • Double vision

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Cataracts can be diagnosed during your annual eye exam. Our optometrist will perform a visual acuity test to see how well you can see both close-up and at a distance. Next, a slit lamp exam will be performed. This light will illuminate your lens, cornea, your iris, and the space between your cornea and your iris, letting our doctors of optometry easily see any abnormalities. Finally, our eye doctors will dilate your eyes to perform a retinal exam, allowing your eye doctors to look for signs of cataracts.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

In the early stages, our eye doctors will recommend a new prescription. This is often the only treatment necessary to help improve your vision. When the new prescription is no longer effective and if the cataracts are interfering with in your daily life, our eye doctors will probably recommend surgery. Cataract surgery is a routine procedure and it is an outpatient procedure. Our optometry care will follow-up with you after the surgery and our doctors of optometry will do post-operative evaluations to ensure that your eyes are functioning properly.

If you believe that you have cataracts, schedule an appointment with Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines. Our doctors of optometry provide complete eye care services, including treatment for cataracts. To be sure that your eyes are healthy, you should schedule annual eye appointments with us. So call us today at (515) 267-1312!

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