Have you noticed fogginess of your vision, trouble with distance vision, or colors not being as bright as before? Is night driving an ordeal because of headlight glare? You may be suffering from cataracts.
Behind the iris and pupil, the lens of the eye behaves much like a camera lens, projecting an image to the retina. The optic nerve transfers the image to the brain. When protein in the eye forms clumps on the lens, the image cannot be projected accurately and vision becomes cloudy, which may indicate cataracts.
There are three types of cataracts:
- Nuclear cataractscreate a cloudiness in the nucleus of the lens. The central area of the lens hardens and changes to a yellowish-brown hue. Color perception may become compromised.
- Cortical cataracts begin in the peripheral area of the lens and move inward in a spike-like pattern. It is more prevalent in individuals with diabetes. These are called cortical cataracts because they start in the cortex, the area of the lens surrounding the central nucleus.
- Subcapsular cataractsare found more often in aging diabetics. Also, people who are on high doses of steroids have a higher incidence of subcapsular cataracts.
Though there can be many factors that come into play, here are three common reasons cataracts develop.
- Age
Though theys can affect anyone at any age, aging is the primary cause. As you age, changes in your eye tissues can cause clouding on the lens. At first, it may not be very noticeable. But they typically develop slowly without causing changes to your vision. After the age of 40, your risk of cataracts increases, though it is not until age 60 that you are likely to develop them. Adults over 80 are most at risk, as more than 50 percent of Americans will have developed at least one by then.
- Smoking
It is common knowledge that smoking puts you at higher risk for lung cancer and heart attacks. The toxins in cigarettes can also damage your eyesight. Smoking has been proven to double one’s risk of cataracts and is reported to triple the risk for heavy smokers.
- UV Light Exposure
Approximately 20 percent of cataract cases are linked to excessive exposure to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause damage to proteins in the eye that cause them to form the clumps that lead to cataracts.
Are You Concerned You Have Cataracts? Call South Palm Eye Associates for Treatment for Cataracts in Boynton Beach!
If you think you have cataracts, don’t delay seeking treatment! They never go away on their own; they only worsen over time. Many times, your vision can be improved with a simple change in your eyeglass prescription. If, however, your vision cannot be improved and is affecting your lifestyle, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Please call us today at 561-737-4040 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Kasten for cataract treatment