How Do Cataracts Make Your Vision Worse?

Are you experiencing blurry or cloudy vision? If so, you could have a common condition called cataracts. Cataracts occur when the natural eye lens becomes dense and cloudy. Unfortunately, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 40. Because it is such a significant concern, it is important to understand the signs of cataracts as well as your treatment options in Lee County.

Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida is proud to offer advanced tools and techniques for cataracts procedures. When you meet with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. James E. Croley III, we can perform an assessment and determine which options are best for your eyesight. If you have cataracts in Cape Coral, Lehigh, or Bonita Springs, FL, call us for your initial appointment today.

How cataracts make your vision worse

Our natural eye lens is normally clear. Aging causes the lens to lose some clarity over time. In patients with cataracts, proteins in the lens clump together, making it more opaque. This results in a loss of vision that interferes with everyday activities. While signs of cataracts begin small, they can really affect your quality of life. Patients with cataracts in Cape Coral may experience the following:

• Cloudy vision: The protein buildup in the lens of your eye causes people to have impaired vision. You may describe your eyesight as cloudy, fuzzy, or blurry.

• Light sensitivity: Patients with cataracts often experience glare from direct sunlight, car headlights, or even household lamps.

• Fading of colors: People with cataracts notice that colors seem dimmer or have a yellow tint. This is because light is distorted as it passes through the cloudy lens, creating the appearance of fading colors.

• Changes in eye appearance: Untreated cataracts eventually change the appearance of the eye. Some people have a cloudy or white-looking film over one or both eyes with cataracts.

• Difficulty reading: Blurry vision from cataracts sometimes causes difficulties when reading a book or menu.

It is important to remember that any of the above symptoms could be caused by one of several eye conditions. This is why visiting an experienced ophthalmologist is so critical. During your consultation, Dr. Croley will examine your eyes and ask about your symptoms. If we confirm cataracts, we can review treatment options together.

What happens if I have cataract symptoms?

Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida may recommend cataract surgery for patients with cataract symptoms. Our office uses advanced laser technology to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). While only minimally invasive measures are necessary, candidates still need to be vetted at our clinic. During this appointment, Dr. Croley can review your current symptoms and how they affect your daily life. We can also discuss any restrictions that affect surgery, including patients who have previously undergone LASIK vision correction in Lee County.

Learn the many signs of cataracts

Most adults will develop cataracts at some point. Thanks to our state-of-the-art medical technology and trained team, you do not have to experience cloudy vision or lose your eyesight. Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida can perform minimally invasive surgery for patients with cataracts in Cape Coral, Lehigh, or Bonita Springs, FL. Visit Dr. James E. Croley III in Lee County to get your personalized assessment and get the answers to your questions.