FAQs about Cataracts

If you are not familiar with cataracts, you may wonder what the big deal is all about. You may have several questions about causes, symptoms, and treatment. If you live in or around Bartlesville, Collinsville, or Owasso, contact Dr. Rigney Vision to schedule an eye exam. Eye exams can catch a variety of eye health issues, including cataracts. Let’s look at a few of the questions that we run into regarding cataracts.

What are cataracts?

The lenses of your eyes are usually crystal clear. A cataract is a cloudy spot that develops on your lens and, depending on the location and the size can make it very difficult to see. They are the results of changes to the lens fiber and proteins in the eye. The majority of cataracts form in people over 55 years of age but they can happen even in infants.

Are all cataracts the same?

Eye cataracts can be very disruptive to your vision. No two cataracts are alike. For some people, they are very small and grow very slowly; for others, they can progress rather quickly. Your optometrist must keep a close eye on your cataracts.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

When you start to develop cataracts, it can be a very slow progression. You may not even notice the slight changes at first. When you have cataracts you may find colors are no longer bright but may seem dull, or even yellow. Your vision may become blurred and you may have difficulty driving at night. You can become sensitive to the brightness of headlights. You may find that you need more light to read. Finally, you may develop a double or a ghost image.

What treatments are there for cataracts?

The treatment that you receive depends on how much your vision is affected by the cataract. If you are still able to see relatively well, no treatment is necessary. When your ability to function is impaired, then it is time to remove the cataract. Surgery is the preferred option. The old clouded lens is removed under local anesthesia, a new custom lens is placed in your eye. It can vastly improve your vision and it may even be better than it was before you got cataracts. Recovery is quite quick and most people are good candidates for the surgery.

Contact Our Optometrist for an Eye Exam

If you are suffering from the symptoms of cataracts, you can count on Dr. Rigney Vision to provide the diagnosis and information that you need. We provide quality eye care for our patients in and around Bartlesville, Collinsville, and Owasso. Call our team today at (918) 272-3937 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.