Cataract Treatment Carlsbad CA | Beyond Vision Center

Defining cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, so it is important to understand what they are and how to identify them. When you think of cataracts, you may picture a fully clouded eye. While this is how they may appear in their later stages, they are not so easy to identify early on. Cataracts impact the lens of the eye, which focuses light rays onto the retina and allows the eye to focus on images. In its normal state, the lens is clear to allow light to easily pass through to the retina.

A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy or hazy, causing foggy or obstructed sight. Instead of passing easily through the lens, light entering the eye is scattered or blocked by a cataract, which may impair eyesight. Patients with cataracts may experience difficulty with visual activities that require clarity and precision, like reading and driving. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light and glare, seeing “halos” around lights and double vision in one eye.

How cataracts develop in the eye

Like any part of the body, an eye will begin to deteriorate with age. The lenses become thicker, less flexible, and less transparent. The eye’s structure is composed of almost 60% proteins, which can begin to break down. These proteins and fibers can clump together, which clouds the lens and forms a cataract. When a cataract first begins to form, it may not be dense enough to cause a noticeable difference in appearance or eyesight. However, as it progresses and continues to develop, the lenses become increasingly clouded and sight becomes worse. In these later stages, the eye takes on a cloudy or milky color. Cataracts often occur in both eyes but can develop at different times and at different rates.

Risk factors

While there are no definitive ways to prevent or slow cataracts, there are certain factors that can put you at an increased risk for developing them. Increasing age, obesity, excessive drinking, smoking, diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight, and previous eye injury or eye surgery can all make the proteins in the lens more vulnerable to break down and form cataracts.

To keep your eyes healthy, make sure to maintain a healthy diet, manage other health problems, protect your eyes with sunglasses, quit smoking if necessary, and reduce alcohol consumption. Additionally, as cataracts are difficult to detect without an optometrist visit early on, make sure to come into our office for regular eye exams. While you may not be able to initially notice changes in your eyesight, our doctors can identify signs of cataracts and begin treatment as early as possible. When it comes to your vision, it is always best to be proactive!

How cataracts impact vision

Cataracts prevent a clear image from reaching the retina by dissipating light as it enters the eye. Some patients describe eyesight with cataracts as looking through a foggy window—blurry, dim, and hazy. Patients may also experience increased glare and sensitivity to light as well as double vision and changes in color perception. If you notice any of these symptoms or changes in your sight, schedule an eye exam so our doctors can check for cataracts or other conditions.

Treatment options

In the early stages of cataracts, a higher glasses/contacts prescription or brighter lighting may help a patient’s eyesight stay precise. Yet ultimately, the only way to fully treat cataracts is to have them surgically removed. Cataract surgery is an extremely safe and common procedure in which the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, restoring sight. If our doctors detect cataracts, we will help you manage early symptoms and refer you to an eye surgeon once the symptoms begin to interfere with your daily life.

Diagnosing at our Carlsbad, California office

During a comprehensive eye exam at our Carlsbad, California office, our doctors check for a multitude of conditions, including cataracts. A retinal exam, slit-lamp exam, and visual acuity test are all routinely used to ensure that your eyesight is unobstructed by cataracts.

More about cataracts

Here at our Carlsbad, CA office, our staff is prepared to answer any questions you may have about cataracts or changes in your sight. During a comprehensive exam with Dr. Morgan or Dr. Raja, they will check for any signs of developing cataracts and help you create a plan for further treatment and eye care services.

FAQ

How common are cataracts?

Cataracts are very common, especially among older adults. Half of Americans 80 and older either currently have cataracts or have undergone surgery to remove cataracts.

How often should I have an exam to check for cataracts?

Cataracts become more common with age, so patients ages 60 and older should come in for a comprehensive exam at least once a year. Additionally, always come in for a visit if you notice changes in your eyesight.

Will I need surgery for my cataracts?

In order to restore vision, surgery is necessary for proper removal of cataracts. Cataract surgery is a very safe and common procedure and always worth it for restoring proper eyesight!

Helpful Reviews

“Had a full eye exam with Dr. Morgan and was happy to be educated step by step during the procedure. All my worries regarding being at risk for glaucoma (high eye pressure) and cataracts were unfolded by Dr. Morgan. He’s knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. I highly recommend him.”
– Robert M.
“Doctor Morgan has exceeded my expectations. I have always found it difficult to find a reliable eye doctor and practice, thinking that's just how things were...until I met Dr. Morgan. His professionalism is unmatched, as well as his friendly demeanor and medical knowledge. Two thumbs up and five stars every day of the week! Definitely worth your time to stop in and see what the practice is all about!”
– Shane S.
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– Cara R.

Cataract Treatment Carlsbad, CA