As we all know, there are many different types of vision problems that can affect your eyes. The most common eye problem that we see in the office is cataracts. It is estimated that over 5 million people in the United States have cataracts and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world. In this article I will talk about cataracts, what causes them, how they are diagnosed, and some of the symptoms that you might experience if you have cataracts.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens of the eye is located behind the iris of the eye and is responsible for focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. A cataract is caused by a build up of proteins within the lens which makes the lens cloudy. This makes the light from objects passing through the lens appear blurry. When a person has cataracts, their vision becomes impaired because the light cannot be focused properly.
How do I know if I have Cataracts?
If you are concerned that you might have cataracts, then you should see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) to determine if you have cataracts or not. You should also make sure that you get your eyes checked regularly. Your eyesight will deteriorate over time so it is important to make sure that you have regular eye exams. If you do not have regular eye exams, then you could have cataracts and not even know it.
When should I see an Ophthalmologist?
If you think that you might have cataract or any other eye condition, then you should see an eye doctor immediately. The sooner you see an eye doctor, the better chance you have of having cataracts removed. If you wait until you have cataracts, then it is much more difficult to remove them. Also, if you wait too long, then your vision will become much worse. If you do have cataracts, then the sooner you see an eye doctor the better.
How do I see an Ophthalmologists?
There are several ways that you can see an ophthalmologist. You can go to an ophthalmologist’s office or you can go to an emergency room. The best way to find an ophthalmologist is to look in the phone book under ophthalmologists. Once you find an ophthalmologist, call him and schedule an appointment. Make sure that you bring your medical records with you when you go to see the ophthalmologist.
