As some people get older, they are more likely to get cataracts. If you or a loved one has cataracts, it might be a good idea to get to know more about what they are, how they are diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.

Advanced Eye Care, located in the Texas panhandle, is happy to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cataracts.

What Are Cataracts?

When the natural lens of the eye turns cloudy, it is called a cataract. Cataracts are more likely to form the older you get. They are most common among the older generations. They cause your vision to become more blurry, and if left untreated, they can eventually cause blindness.

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

The eye doctor can diagnose cataracts during a regular eye exam. First, we ask questions to determine your medical history that might be relevant to your eye health. Then the optometrist checks your eye pressure, pupil response, and eye movement. Other technology and tools are then used to check the overall picture and health of your eyes.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

If you are diagnosed with cataracts, there are treatments available. If they are not causing any issues yet, the most recommended option would be to wait until they get bad enough to require treatment. The main treatment available for cataracts is cataract surgery. This requires an ophthalmologist to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

Are Cataracts Painful?

Cataracts are not painful, but they can significantly impact your vision and eventually cause blindness if they are not treated.

What Are My Options if I Have Cataracts?

The main options available are glasses, other vision aids, and cataract surgery.

What Factors Increase My Chances of Cataracts?

Although cataracts are often inevitable the older you get, some risk factors can make you more likely to have cataracts sooner rather than later, such as:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
• High alcohol consumption
• Certain eye conditions, inflammation, or injuries
• High level of myopia

What Are the Different Types of Cataracts?

There are at least 5 different types of cataracts:

• Nuclear sclerotic cataract
• Posterior subcapsular cataract
• Cortical cataract
• Congenital cataract
• Traumatic cataract

Contact Us

Here at Advanced Eye Care, we serve the following areas of the Texas panhandle: Amarillo, Canyon, Dumas, and Hereford. If you are in any of these areas in TX and need care regarding optometry, we can help you. Call one of our convenient locations today:

Amarillo: (806) 355-9536

Canyon: (806) 655-7748

Dumas: (806) 935-7773

Hereford: (806) 364-3030