Cataracts may seem like something that only happens to older people, but they can strike people in their middle-aged years, too. Whether you're getting on in years or are a little younger than that, if your vision seems like it's getting cloudier, it could be that you're developing cataracts. This is what you need to know about this condition.
What Cataracts Are
Cataracts are a natural development for many people as they grow older. A part of the eye that's important in your ability to see, the lens, becomes cloudy. Parts of the lens start to break down, creating cloudy areas. As you grow older, the portion of your vision that's cloudy will become larger.
Who Gets Them
Most people get cataracts as a normal part of aging. While you might think of it as something that only happens to old people, it can hit you as early as your forties. As a result, you may start developing symptoms of a cataract or two earlier than you would have expected.
Getting Rid of Them
Thankfully, there's no risk of you going blind with cataracts with adequate medical care. Eye doctors all over the world perform cataract surgery on a daily basis, and it's a safe and reliable procedure.
Cataract surgery removes the lens of the eye and replaces it with an artificial one. This artificial lens allows you to see as clearly as you ever could, with none of the cloudiness that you're accustomed to.
Cataract surgery is typically performed while you're conscious. Your eye doctor will give you medication to numb the eye so that you don't feel any pain. Then, they'll administer a type of anesthesia that puts you in a state called twilight sleep. With twilight sleep, you remain aware of what's going on around you but remain calm and tranquil.
While you're in this state, your eye doctor will use a laser to carefully open up the eye and access the lens. After pulling out the lens, the new artificial one will be inserted, and then the eye will be closed back up. You should be able to see more clearly immediately after the procedure is complete.
Cataracts can strike at an earlier age than you might expect. If you've noticed that your vision is getting cloudy, get to an eye doctor. It could be cataracts, but a full examination is likely a good idea, too.
Share12 December 2019
When it comes to parenting, taking care of your kids can feel like a daily guessing game. You might wonder why your child is acting so fussy, only to figure out a few days later that they are suffering from a cold. Unfortunately, the symptoms of poor vision can be even more difficult to notice, which is why taking your child to an optometrist is so crucial. This blog is all about noticing the signs of eye problems and taking your child to the eye doctor right away. By paying attention and being proactive about eye problems, you can keep your child healthy and happy.