Cataracts Explained in Rhode Island

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that causes vision impairment, and potentially, blindness if not diagnosed and treated correctly. Cataracts are very common; more people have cataracts than have diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma combined. The condition is age-related and typically starts to develop after the age of 40 when the proteins that make up the lens of the eye start to break down or clump together. Cataracts can develop quite slowly so patients with the early stages of cataracts are often unaware of their condition.

At Koch Eye Associates, our highly trained ophthalmologists are equipped and experienced in treating all stages of cataracts. We can detect it in its earliest stages to avoid worsening symptoms, and we provide surgical and nonsurgical procedures for patients with advanced cataracts. Contact one of our Rhode Island facilities today to schedule a comprehensive cataract evaluation. We are proud to serve our patients with several state-of-the-art locations, including Warwick, North Kingstown, Johnston, Woonsocket, and Wakefield, RI.

The main symptom of a cataract is progressively blurring vision that is not corrected by your current prescription lenses or contacts. Poor night vision, seeing a brownish or yellowish tint on everything, and a sudden increase in seeing halos and glare are also potential indicators of cataracts. The condition typically starts to develop in individuals between the ages of 40 – 50; however, some people don’t have cataract symptoms until their 60s. It is important to note that cataracts do not cause pain or discomfort, and they are typically developing before you begin to have any vision symptoms. This is another reason why regularly scheduled comprehensive eye exams at Koch Eye Associates are vital to your eye health.

Cataracts are the result of the age-related, natural breakdown of the proteins that make up the lens of the eye. While this breakdown is natural, there are several factors that can speed up or worsen the process:

• Heavy sun exposure
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Cigarette smoking
• Family history of cataracts
• Eye trauma
• Previous eye surgery
• Degenerative myopia
• Medical problems, such as diabetes
• Medications, such as steroids

If your comprehensive exam determines a diagnosis of cataracts, we can begin to review your treatment options with you. Patients in the early stages of cataracts can sometimes improve their vision with simple prescription glasses. Those with more advanced cataracts, however, may need a more aggressive treatment. At Koch Eye Associates, we can provide multiple options for cataract treatment, ranging from special cataract contact lenses to laser or traditional cataract surgery.

If you are over the age of 40, it is especially important that you are scheduling and attending regular comprehensive eye exams to check for issues like cataracts. The professionals at Koch Eye Associates can create a treatment plan to address your type and stage of cataracts and make sure it affects your daily life as little as possible. Contact one of our Rhode Island facilities today if you have noticed clouded vision or have not had a recent comprehensive exam.