As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our eyes are no exception. One of the most common age-related eye conditions is cataracts—a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. If you’re in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, or Glendale, and are experiencing changes in your vision, understanding cataracts is the first step towards maintaining your eye health and quality of life.

This information is especially relevant for adults aged 50 and over, those who have noticed changes in their vision, or anyone caring for aging loved ones.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a condition where the normally clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to blurry or dim vision. To understand its effect, imagine looking through a fogged-up or frosted window—the details become hazy, colors may seem faded, and night vision worsens. This clouding occurs gradually and can affect one or both eyes, though it doesn’t spread from one eye to the other.

The lens of your eye plays an important role in focusing light onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It works much like the lens of a camera, adjusting its shape to help you see clearly at different distances. When a cataract forms, it interferes with this process, scattering or blocking the light that enters your eye and distorting your vision.

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide, especially among older adults. They typically develop as a part of the natural aging process, though they can also result from other factors, including eye injuries, long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, diabetes, smoking, certain medications like corticosteroids, or a family history of cataracts.

Although cataracts tend to progress slowly over time, they are not considered a medical emergency. Early symptoms may include increased sensitivity to light, seeing halos around lights, difficulty reading or seeing at night, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. These symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life, making daily tasks like driving, reading, or recognizing faces more challenging.

The good news is that cataracts in Los Angeles are treatable. In their early stages, changes to your eyeglasses prescription or brighter lighting may help. But as the condition worsens and begins to interfere with your daily life, cataract surgery—a safe and highly effective procedure—can restore clear vision by replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one.

Recognizing the signs of cataracts and seeking regular eye exams, especially after age 60, can help you manage the condition before it seriously impacts your vision.

Also Read: How Cataracts Affect Your Vision & When to Seek Treatment

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

The development of cataracts is often gradual, and you might not notice changes in your vision initially. However, as they progress, you may experience several symptoms, including:

• Blurred or cloudy vision: This is often the first and most noticeable symptom.
• Increased glare, especially at night: Headlights and bright lights may seem overly dazzling.
• Faded colors or a yellowish tint: Colors may appear less vibrant.
• Trouble reading or driving: Tasks requiring sharp focus can become difficult.
• Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription: Your vision may fluctuate more often.
• Double vision in one eye: This is a less common symptom, but it can occur.

If you’re experiencing any of these changes, it’s time to see an ophthalmologist for cataracts. An eye care specialist can properly diagnose your condition and discuss the next steps.

Causes and Risk Factors

While aging is the most common cause, several factors can increase your risk of developing cataracts:

• Aging: The natural breakdown of proteins in the eye lens over time is the primary cause.
• UV light exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without proper eye protection can contribute.
• Smoking and alcohol use: These habits have been linked to an increased risk.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
• Long-term steroid use: Certain medications can increase the likelihood.
• Eye injuries or previous eye surgery: Trauma to the eye can sometimes lead to cataract development.
• Family history: If you have a family history of cataracts, you may be more susceptible.

What It’s Like to Live with Cataracts

Living with cataracts means your vision gradually deteriorates, which can significantly impact your daily life. Simple tasks like reading a book, driving, or watching television can become challenging. You may need brighter lighting to see clearly or rely more on magnifiers. Updated glasses prescriptions can offer temporary relief, but as the cataract progresses, these measures become less effective.

Monitoring Cataracts

Regular eye exams are important for monitoring the progression of cataracts. Your Los Angeles eye doctor, or any qualified ophthalmologist in Los Angeles, will conduct thorough examinations to assess the clarity of your lens and track any changes over time. There isn’t a specific “right” time for surgery based solely on the severity of the cataract. Instead, the decision is often based on how much the cataracts are affecting your vision and your ability to perform daily activities.

During your visits, don’t hesitate to ask questions such as:

• How are my cataracts progressing?
• When would you recommend considering surgery?
• What are the different types of artificial lenses available?
• What does the recovery process involve?

Treatment Options: When to Consider Cataract Surgery

Currently, the only effective long-term cataract treatment is surgery. While you might manage early-stage cataracts with stronger glasses or better lighting, these are not permanent solutions.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This is generally a quick, low-risk outpatient procedure with a high success rate in restoring vision.  

Advancements in IOL technology have provided patients with more options than ever before. These include:

• Monofocal IOLs: These lenses provide clear vision at one distance (near, intermediate, or far). Most people choose to have these set for distance vision and use reading glasses for close-up work.
• Multifocal IOLs: These lenses have multiple zones that allow for clear vision at various distances, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for glasses.
• Toric IOLs: These lenses are designed for individuals with astigmatism, correcting both cataracts and astigmatism for sharper vision.

Your eye care specialist will discuss these options with you to determine the best lens for your individual needs and lifestyle.

Can You Prevent or Slow Cataracts?

While you can’t entirely prevent cataracts, certain lifestyle choices may help slow their progression:

• Wearing sunglasses with UV protection: Shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays is essential.
• Controlling diabetes and avoiding smoking: Managing underlying health conditions and quitting smoking can have a positive impact on eye health.
• Eating a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet: A balanced diet may contribute to overall eye health.
• Routine eye exams after age 50: Regular check-ups allow for early detection and monitoring of any changes.

Conclusion

Cataracts are a common condition, particularly as we age. However, they are also manageable and, most importantly, treatable. Understanding how cataracts affect vision and knowing when to seek help from an ophthalmologist in Los Angeles is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Whether you reside in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, or Glendale, access to excellent eye care is within reach.

If you’re noticing any changes in your vision, don’t wait. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an experienced eye care specialist at Soroudi Advanced LASIK and Eye Centers today to evaluate your eye health and discuss your options.