How do you check for cataracts?

To determine if you have a cataract, your eye doctor will perform three specific tests: a retinal exam, a slit-lamp exam and a visual acuity test. These will take place during a comprehensive eye exam.

How can you detect cataracts at Home?

Look in the mirror at the pupil, the black dot in the center of the eye, this will be the place where a cataract will form. What do you see? If you see a cloudy dot or haze anywhere in the pupil that is a cataract. Your eye pupil should be completely black to be cataract free.

Will an eye test show cataracts?

Eye care specialists use several tests to diagnose eye cataracts, such as a simple visual acuity test or pupil dilation. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will likely need to perform a series of tests to make this diagnosis. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil.

What are the first signs of having cataracts?

What do early stage cataracts look like?

Cloudy Vision – One of the most obvious signs of early-stage cataracts is the appearance of noticeable fuzzy spots in your field of vision. These spots typically start out as fairly small aberrations, but over time they will worsen, making daily activities harder than they were before.

Eye Tests for Cataract and General Assessment

Is cataract surgery painful?

Cataract surgery is not painful. While patients are awake during surgery, there is little or no discomfort involved. A mild sedative may be administered before the surgery, which calms the nerves, and eye drops are used to numb the eye.

Are floaters the beginning of cataracts?

Most patients actually have floaters before cataract surgery, but the effects of the cataract on their vision makes it harder to recognize a floater.

What is the average age to have cataract surgery?

In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60, and the average age for cataract surgery in the United States is 73. However, changes in the lenses of our eyes start to affect us in our 40's.

What age do you usually get cataracts?

Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old. Where you live. Recent studies have shown that people who live in high altitudes are more at risk of developing cataracts.

What does vision look like with cataracts?

Cataract Symptom: Blurry Vision

Blurry vision at any distance is the most common symptom of cataracts. Your view may look foggy, filmy, or cloudy. Over time, as the cataracts get worse, less light reaches the retina. People with cataracts may have an especially hard time seeing and driving at night.

What is the best treatment for cataracts?

What's the Treatment? Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts, but you may not need it right away. If you catch the problem at an early stage, you might be able to get by with a new prescription for your glasses. A stronger lens can make your vision better for a while.

How can you prevent cataracts from getting worse?

Can cataract be cured by eye drops?

Currently, cataracts can not be cured with eye drops. A 2017 review of studies published by the National Institutes of Health confirmed the only available treatment for cataracts remains surgery.

What is the main cause of cataract?

A cataract develops when the lens in your eye, which is normally clear, becomes foggy. For your eye to see, light passes through a clear lens. The lens is behind your iris (colored part of your eye). The lens focuses the light so that your brain and eye can work together to process information into a picture.

Are floaters related to cataracts?

Cataracts and eye floaters affect your vision in different ways, but many believe that a correlation exists between the two eye conditions. Large or widespread cataracts can impair your vision, making it blurry or discolored, whereas eye floaters can disrupt your otherwise clear eyesight with random spots or dots.

Who is prone to cataracts?

Age: Individuals over the age of 60 are more likely to develop cataracts. Genetics: A family history of certain medical conditions can increase your risk for cataracts. Diabetes: One of the most common risk factors of cataracts, and a host of other vision issues, is diabetes.

Does cataract surgery give you 20 20 vision?

While there is no guarantee that cataract surgery will give you 20/20 vision, with new advances in technology your chances are quite high. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss the benefits of cataract surgery, and determine which type of IOL is right for you.

What is the recovery time after cataract surgery?

You'll need to avoid some activities for several weeks until you get the OK from your doctor, including lifting heavy things or bending over. Most people are completely recovered and healed within 8 weeks after surgery.

How much does cataract surgery cost?

The total cost of cataract treatment for a patient who doesn't have an insurance provider can range: $3,000 to $5,000 per eye for standard cataract surgery. $4,000 to $6,000 per eye for laser-assisted cataract surgery or procedures using advanced lens implants.

What are the disadvantages of cataract surgery?

Does your eye prescription change after cataract surgery?

Some change to your current glasses prescription is usually needed after the surgery, whatever lens is chosen. If you have never needed to use prescription glasses in the past, you will need to start using them after your cataract operation.

Why do eyes sparkle after cataract surgery?

As the new lens settles into position many people will notice shimmering or flickering of vision, which is normal. Some people will also notice a crescent shape of light in the edge of their vision which is reflection from the edge of the lens and usually resolves over a few months.

What are the 3 types of cataracts?

What do floaters in eye look like?

Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs that drift about when you move your eyes and appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly.

Are you put to sleep for cataract surgery?

Typically, patients are awake during cataract surgery. This eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia (where you are “put to sleep”) and enables Our Doctors to communicate with you during your procedure. You will be given an oral medication prior to the procedure to help you relax during your surgery.