Treatment for Cataracts From Your Ophthalmologist in Chapel Hill

Do you experience cloudy vision? If so, you may have cataracts. At Chapel Hill Ophthalmology, we offer medical eye care including custom cataract surgery using state-of-the-art technology. Our eye care team and board-certified ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye exams and other medical services in a friendly, compassionate environment to meet your individual needs. If you experience symptoms of cataracts, it is important to receive prompt medical attention from your ophthalmologist in Chapel Hill.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are an eye condition that is common in people age 65 or older. Over half of Americans in that age range have cataracts.

The lens of the eyes does the job of focusing light, similar to the lens of a camera. As we age, the lens becomes less transparent and diminishes in flexibility. When this happens, the tissue of the lens binds and clumps together, forming a cataract, which blocks light. Scattered light results in blurred or cloudy vision.

It is unknown what causes cataracts, but it is usually the result of the aging process. In some cases, cataracts are caused by inherited genetic disorders.

While the aging process is the top risk factor for developing cataracts, other factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Excess exposure to sunlight or radiation
• High blood sugar
• Past eye surgery
• Smoking and excessive alcohol use

The Symptoms of Cataracts

Many people do not notice the development of cataracts until they experience impaired vision. If you have cataracts, you may notice that your eyesight is changing and you need stronger glasses. You may notice that everything has a slight yellow tint. This occurs because the protein clumps on your lens become discolored, causing you to see colors incorrectly as if you’re wearing blue-light-blocking glasses.

Cataract symptoms include:

• Hazy vision
• Light sensitivity
• Seeing colors inaccurately
• Eye pain
• Seeing a “halo” effect around light sources
• Double vision
• Problems with night vision

Treatment for Cataracts

If you have symptoms of cataracts, have your eyes checked by your ophthalmologist in Chapel Hill. Cataracts can develop without symptoms over time, and while not all cases need treatment, cataracts can cause vision loss and lead to blindness.

Cataracts often appear in both eyes, but one cataract may be more developed than the other. Doctors may not be able to predict from an eye exam the rate at which a cataract will develop. Surgery may be necessary and can involve replacing the clouded natural lens with a clear artificial lens.

Contact Your Eye Doctor

At Chapel Hill Ophthalmology, our experienced eye care team provides eye exams and comprehensive eye care to meet your needs, including treatment and blade-less laser surgery for cataracts. Contact Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC today at (919) 942-8701 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.