A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects your vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes, however it cannot spread from one eye to the other.
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
- Cloudy or blurry vision.
- Colors seem faded.
- Glare or halo.
- Poor night vision.
- Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
- Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam. The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new glasses, better lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV.
Cataract removal surgery is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It is also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
If you are suffering from blurry vision or other symptoms of cataract, contact Haller Eye Center today.