Cataract FAQs

Cataracts are an eye health issue that can cause vision impairment and eventually lead to blindness. They are common and typically affects those that are 60 or older. It is important to understand this condition so you know what symptoms to look out for. At Sites Vision Clinic in Clarksville, TN, our eye doctor can educate you on cataracts and how to detect them. If you do have cataracts, our optometrist will guide you on treatment. Here are some commonly asked questions about cataracts.

.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is the clouding of the clear lens of the eye, which makes your vision blurry. The lens is made of proteins and water and is used to focus light on your retina. These proteins are set in a way that keeps your lens clear and allows light to pass through it. However, as you age, some proteins cloud in a small area of your lens, forming a cataract.

What Are the Types of Cataracts?

There are several types of cataracts, but they are broadly divided into three groups. Nuclear sclerotic cataracts affect the center of your lens, cortical cataracts affect the edges of your lens, and posterior subcapsular cataracts affect the back of the lens.

What Causes Cataracts?

Most cataracts develop due to age, but they are several other factors that cause cataracts. They include:

  • Injuries
  • Medications
  • Genetics 
  • Smoking and alcohol 
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes 

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

The typical symptom of a cataract is blurred or cloudy vision. Other symptoms include:

  • Difficulty reading
  • Blurry patches
  • Faded colors
  • Poor vision in bright light or low light 

Since some symptoms mimic other eye diseases, it’s critical to see our eye doctor for an eye exam and a proper diagnosis.

What Does Cataract Treatment Involve?

Fortunately, cataracts are treatable, and you may get your sight restored. The most important thing is to get proper and early treatment. Prescription glasses may be an option, but if they don’t work, cataract surgery is the only practical way of treating cataracts. This involves replacing your eye lens with an artificial one.

What Are the Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract side effects are rare. However, one could experience the following:

  • Eye swelling or infection
  • Bleeding
  • Drooping eyelid
  • Retinal detachment

Can I Prevent Cataracts?

Unfortunately, there is no proven way of preventing cataracts. However, our optometrist can suggest specific lifestyle changes that may prevent cataracts. These changes include:

  • Having a regular eye exam
  • Quitting smoking or reducing smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Keeping health problems in control, like diabetes

Schedule an Appointment with Our optometrist in Clarksville, TN for an Eye Exam

If you are experiencing symptoms of cataracts, we can help. At Sites Vision Clinic in Clarksville, TN, our eye doctor will perform an eye exam to diagnose cataracts. We will guide you on the proper treatment. Our goal is to keep your eyes and vision at their best. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Location

Find us on the map

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Thursday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Friday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed