Health, Wellness

What Causes Cataracts? And How They Can Be Treated

health saf - January 15, 2023

Cataracts are a common condition that affects the eyes and can impact your vision if left untreated. But what exactly are cataracts, and what causes them? In this article, we’ll look at the causes of cataracts, how you know if you have them, the various cataract treatment in Rochester available, as well as methods for preventing them in the first place.

Table of Contents

What Causes Cataracts?

A buildup of protein in the lens of the eye causes cataracts. This changes the structure of the lens and makes it cloudy or opaque. The protein build-up is usually caused by age. Still, it can also be caused by certain medications, illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension, UV radiation from sunlight exposure, and even smoking.

How Do You Know If You Have a Cataract?

The most common symptom of cataracts is blurred vision. Other symptoms include double vision (seeing two images instead of one), poor night vision or difficulty seeing dim light, increased sensitivity to glare from bright lights, and fading or yellowing colors. It’s essential to visit your doctor if you start experiencing any of these symptoms so they can diagnose whether or not you have a cataract and recommend options for cataracts treatment Rochester.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

The most common cataract treatment in Rochester is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL). Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis in under an hour and is typically very safe.

There are also non-surgical treatments available for mild cases, such as eyeglasses with special lenses that help reduce glare or magnifying lenses to help you see better up close. Additionally, some drops may reduce cloudiness temporarily but won’t cure the condition permanently.

What Can You Do To Prevent Cataracts From Developing In The First Place?

The best way to prevent cataracts from developing is to protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses when outdoors, quitting smoking if you smoke, and eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C & E, which help protect against oxidative damage that leads to cataract formation. Additionally, regular eye exams can detect early signs of cataract development so that treatment can begin before your vision becomes too impaired.

Are There Any Natural Remedies For Cataracts That People Can Try At Home Before Seeing A Doctor?

Unfortunately, no natural remedies have been proven effective at treating cataracts though some people swear by certain herbal supplements like bilberry extract, which purportedly helps improve vision naturally. However, more research needs to be done before these claims can be substantiated conclusively.

Additionally, while dietary changes like eating more leafy greens may help reduce risk factors associated with developing cataracts, they aren’t guaranteed cures either – only medical intervention via either medication drops or surgical cataracts treatment in Rochester will be able to treat existing cataract conditions successfully.

Get Your Cataracts Treatment In Rochester

When it comes down to it, prevention is critical when it comes to avoiding developing cataracts down the line in life – making sure you wear sunglasses outdoors when exposed to UV radiation as well as quitting smoking if applicable, coupled with regular comprehensive eye exams go a long way towards helping ensure good long term eye health.

Additionally, should existing signs/symptoms become noticeable, seeking out cataracts treatment in Rochester will allow for timely diagnosis & subsequently, successful treatment – whether through medication drops or surgical intervention. Thanks for reading.