Frequently Asked Questions about Cataracts

Here at South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, we frequently see our aging patients come in for an eye exam with cataracts of varying levels of severity. After diagnosis, they tend to have many questions. The following are some of the most typical questions our optometrist receives:

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is an eye condition where the eye's lens becomes clouded and obscures vision. The lens is responsible for focusing light onto the retina.

What Is the Cause of Cataracts?

Cataracts come with age and eye strain throughout the life span. It is caused by the degradation of the proteins that make up the lens. Several factors increase the risk of cataracts, which we will explain later in this article.

How Does an Eye Doctor Diagnose Cataracts?

An optometrist will begin by giving the patient an initial eye exam to assess the condition of the eyes. In less severe cases, cataracts are usually visible to the naked eye or with a handheld light. We may use other tools to assess the condition of the eye's lens.

What Kind of Eyecare Will Remedy my Cataracts?

Except for at the very early onset, surgery is the only way to treat cataracts. The most common cataract surgery is a short procedure in which the eye's lens is replaced with an artificial one.

Are There Complications Associated with Cataract Surgery?

It is overwhelmingly safe, but as with any surgery, there are some potential risks that your eye doctor will discuss with you. Therefore, following any eyecare instructions your optometrist gives you is essential after the surgery.

How Can I Reverse or Prevent Cataracts?

Once a patient gets cataracts, optometry specialists do not know how to reverse them naturally. On the bright side, people can take precautions in their younger years to avoid this eye condition. These include the following:

• Avoid smoking and abusing alcohol
• Get regular exercise
• Eat a nutritious diet filled with antioxidants
• Protect the eyes from the sun
• Get an eye exam as often as is necessary

Schedule an Appointment with Us

All in all, cataracts are simply a lens clouded by degraded proteins in the eye. The standard optometry practice is to remedy this eye condition with surgery. If you have any more questions or suspect you are developing cataracts, schedule a consultation with South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, today by calling (206) 431-8770.