CATARACTS

​We all have a lens inside the eye which helps us focus light. With time, the lens inside the eye will become cloudy. Proteins deposit inside the natural lens and this is what most often will cause the cloudiness. Certain environmental factors can accelerate cataract formation: UV light (those who live in Florida, compared to New York), smoking, diabetes or blood sugar fluctuations, some medications (steroids), prior eye surgery or injury are the most common factors. However, most of us will develop cataracts naturally as we age. 

 

When the lens becomes cloudy it will affect vision. Usually this starts at night because the lens turns a yellow/green/brown color which will affect contrast and activities in poorly lit conditions. Patients also report having glare and halos especially with driving activities at night. As the cataract progresses the day time vision will also become impaired. Usually the cataract causes problems with distance and up close activities. Some patients say by adjusting screen settings on devices they can overcome the weaknesses in their vision temporarily but eventually most people opt to have cataract surgery.

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