Many people underestimate the importance of having regular examinations at an optical center in Chicago. This is unfortunate because an ophthalmologist can do much more than provide an accurate prescription for corrective lenses. An ophthalmologist can also look for the early warning signs of vision problems such as cataracts, which refer to cloudiness on the lens of the eye. Cataracts are among the most common causes of vision impairment. If you’ve already been diagnosed with cataracts, you can talk to an ophthalmologist about cataract treatment .
Symptoms
You may not necessarily notice symptoms of cataracts until they have progressed. Cataracts develop slowly over time. As they develop, you might begin to notice symptoms such as foggy, filmy, blurry, or cloudy vision. Double vision, progressive nearsightedness, and difficulty coping with glare during the day are other indicators of cataracts. You may also have difficulty with glare at night, such as glare from the headlights of oncoming vehicles. You might suddenly need a stronger prescription for your corrective lenses and you may notice that you begin to perceive colors differently.
Causes
Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye develops an accumulation of proteins. These proteins cause the cloudiness that prevents the lens from properly focusing light on the retina, which is the back of the eye. This causes vision impairment. There are different underlying causes that may contribute to the accumulation of proteins. Ophthalmologists classify different types of cataracts according to their underlying causes.
Types
For example, a patient might be diagnosed with an age-related cataract, which occurs as a result of changes during the aging process. Cataracts are quite common among adults aged 65 and older. However, it is possible for babies to be diagnosed with congenital cataracts, which are present at birth. Congenital cataracts can develop as a result of poor fetal development, or an injury or infection that affected the fetus. Some people are diagnosed with traumatic cataracts. As the name implies, these develop after an eye injury. Secondary cataracts are caused by certain medical conditions. These can include diabetes, exposure to ultraviolet light, exposure to radiation, or exposure to toxic substances. Some medications can also cause secondary cataracts, including diuretics and corticosteroids.