A cataract is the clouding of the lens that affects vision. It is a very common condition among Americans, in that by age 80, more than half will have a cataract in one or both eyes.

Cataracts are age-related and can develop in two ways. The first type of cataract occurs when clumps of protein on the lens cause cloudiness in vision and reduce the light that reaches the retina. The second type of cataract occurs when the clear lens changes to a yellow or brown color. Cataracts tend to develop slowly, causing vision to worsen over time.

The risk of cataract increases as you age, but other factors contribute to risk, including certain diseases, smoking, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Symptoms of a cataract include cloudy or blurry vision, "halos" appearing around lights, poor night vision, double or multiple image vision, frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses, or any combination of the above.

Cataracts are detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test (measures how well you see at various distances), a dilated eye exam (widening the pupil in order to examine the retina), and a tonometry test (measures the pressure inside the eye).

Early treatment of a cataract may involve new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, or magnifying lenses. Surgical treatment (removal of the cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens) is necessary only when vision loss due to the cataract interferes with normal, everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching television.

If you are 60 years or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. Early treatment for many eye diseases may protect your vision. To ask questions or to schedule an exam, please call our office at 218-759-1290 or 1-800-745-1291.

For more information on this and other diseases, please visit The National Eye Institute.

Source: The National Eye Institute.

If you detect any changes in your vision, please call Womack Eye Associates to schedule an eye exam immediately.