5 Surprising Facts About Cataracts

January 15, 2023

The eye’s natural lens is normally clear, which allows light to pass through it. This is important to crisp, clear vision. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and the leading cause of preventable blindness across the globe.

While cataracts are a very common condition, most people know little about them. The eye doctors at TRES VISION Group are experts at diagnosing and treating cataracts. Here, they discuss five surprising facts about cataracts.

1. Cataracts Are a Progressive Condition

Cataracts are a progressive condition, which means that they will continue to develop over time. If left untreated, cataracts will continue to worsen.

2. Cataract Symptoms Can Develop Over Time

While cataracts are progressive, many patients are unaware that they have cataracts when they first develop. This means that it may take time before any symptoms become apparent. However, as the cataracts progress, you may notice symptoms of the cataracts, including the following:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Colors look faded
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Lights seem too bright
  • A halo appears around lights
  • Frequent prescription changes for glasses or contact lenses

3. Certain Factors Influence Your Risk of Developing Cataracts

Most people know that age puts them at risk for developing cataracts. However, many people are often surprised to learn that there are a number of other factors that may influence their risk of developing cataracts, including the following:

  • Certain health problems, like diabetes
  • Tobacco use
  • Drinking alcohol
  • A family history of cataracts
  • An eye injury or eye surgery
  • Excessive time in the sun
  • Certain medicines (like steroids) used to treat some health problems

If you are at a higher-than-normal risk of developing cataracts, you should talk to your eye doctor about how you can potentially catch cataracts in their early stages.

4. Cataract Surgery Is One of the Most Commonly Performed Surgeries

It may surprise you to learn that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to remove the eye’s clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Removing the cataract ensures that the cloudiness will not progress or return.

Cataract surgery can be especially beneficial for patients with refractive errors. This is because there are a variety of intraocular lenses that are capable of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

5. Cataracts Cannot Come Back After Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The natural lens is removed during surgery. This means that a cataract can never come back after surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

The eye doctors at TRES VISION Group have exceptional reputations in all areas of their practice. If you are concerned about cataracts, schedule a consultation with our team by calling (321) 984-3200 or emailing appointments@tresvision.com.