Many of our patients at Pearland Eye Care are surprised when our eye doctors tell them they have cataracts. This is usually because the cataract has not grown large enough to cause noticeable vision changes. Our practice in Houston diagnoses and monitors these growths and provides referrals to eye surgeons when it is time for them to be removed.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are deposits that accumulate on the lens of the eye. As they grow, they can cause vision impairment. While individuals with early-stage cataracts might experience few if any symptoms, as time passes, their vision will become cloudy. Most people develop these deposits in both eyes, although some have a cataract growing in only one eye. If both cataracts are present, they may grow at different rates.
While most people associate a cataract with aging, sometimes it is present at birth or develops shortly thereafter. An eye injury or an eye surgery are also potential causes, as is being diabetic, consuming alcohol, smoking, and using certain medications. Someone with nutritional deficiencies or prior exposure to ultraviolet radiation may have an elevated risk for this disorder.
Symptoms
These are the most frequent symptoms related to cataracts:
- Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision
- Yellowed or faded appearance of colors
- Frequent eyewear prescription changes
- Seeing halos around lights
- Light and glare sensitivity
- Double vision
- Growing problems with seeing at night
- Needing increasingly brighter light to perform close-up work
Treatment from Our Optometrists
The eye care provided by our optometrists includes diagnosing, treating, and managing cataracts and other diseases of the eye. During a patient’s first visit, one of our eye doctors will perform a comprehensive eye exam, evaluate the patient’s health history, and perform several tests.
Choosing the best treatment for a cataract depends on how much vision impairment is present. Monitoring is often the best choice for an early cataract. As it grows, changing prescription eyewear and using anti-glare lens coatings can help most patients. The only way to cure a cataract is to remove it. Our practice provides referrals to an eye surgeon who can remove the natural lens and insert an artificial one.
Schedule an Exam with Our Optometrists in Houston, TX
Professional eye care is important for healthy eyes and good vision. Our eye doctors strive to provide the highest quality of care for our patients. We have a full-service optometry practice that is committed to helping patients with vision issues ranging from prescription eyewear to the effects of aging and disorders such as cataracts and glaucoma. Call Pearland Eye Care today at (713) 991-4100 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tran or Dr. Nguyen.
