Cataracts: Why is My Vision Cloudy?

Have you been wondering lately if your vision is changing? As we age, we expect a few things to slow down. We may take a little more time walking down the stairs, or we take our time eating. This isn’t all bad, though. Sometimes we just want to slow down and enjoy the moment. But, we can’t forget that our bodies may be slowing down as we get a little older, too. If you’ve found yourself with cloudy vision, you could have cataracts. Keep reading to learn more.

What gives people cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye, which rests behind the iris, becomes clouded. You may notice when you look in someone’s face, that their eyes look a little more clouded or dull. Or, conversely, Aa loved one might tell you that your eyes look a little dull or different.

The development of cataracts in your eyes can be influenced by many different health factors. Advancing age, trauma to the eye, radiation exposure, excessive sun exposure, disease of the eye, a family history of cataracts, smoking, diabetes, and poor nutrition can all influence the development of cataracts. 

No matter what causes your cataracts, having the clouded lenses removed and replaced will help you can see again. Since cataracts can creep up slowly, you may have had them developing for years but just didn’t realize it. Sometimes it takes those small changes to take hole for people to realize their vision is dramatically diminished.

Diagnosing Cataracts

Numerous tests could be performed by your doctor to diagnose your cloudy vision as a cataracts. These tests help us determine whether you really do have cataracts or if the visual problems are actually coming from another eye issue. They also help us in evaluating the degree of visual impairment, which can help us determine if we should recommend surgery. These eye tests include:

• Retinal examination under pupil dilation
• Tonometry to test intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Visual acuity test
• Slit-lamp examination

Cataracts found early can sometimes be treated with nonsurgical methods such as, a new corrective lens prescription, anti-glare sunglasses, incorporating brighter lighting in your home, and even using magnifying glasses to help you see.

Is your vision starting to become cloudy? Please call us at (847) 677-2794 to schedule a consultation.