How to Handle Cataracts

Cataracts are a relatively common eye condition for people over 50 that develops due to natural changes in your eyes. This condition causes the lens of your eyes to become cloudy and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Fortunately, the optometrist and ophthalmologist at Monterey Bay Eye Center in Monterey, CA, can help. Our team will examine your eyes and catch cataracts in the early stages before they lead to significant vision loss. Learn about how we can help manage and treat your cataracts below.

How to Prevent the Emergence of Cataracts

The best way to manage cataracts is to keep them from developing in the first place. Although a prevention plan does not guarantee you will never develop cataracts, it can give you a better chance of enjoying clear eyesight well into your senior years. Regular eye exams with your optometrist help catch and manage cataracts before they become a significant concern. Catching the early onset of cataracts during an eye exam improves the chances of successful management and treatment.

Apart from getting regular eye exams, you can also avoid cataracts by adjusting lifestyle habits. Protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses significantly reduces your risk of developing cataracts. Quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet also keep your eye health strong as you age. Managing your blood sugar if you have diabetes is crucial for reducing your risk of developing cataracts and other vision issues.

Treatment for Cataracts

Even if you develop cataracts, your ophthalmologist can help manage and treat the condition before it causes vision loss or blindness. Management for the early stages of cataracts may include adjustments at home or prescription lenses. Installing brighter lights at home and work can minimize the impact of cataracts, and wearing anti-glare sunglasses outdoors reduces glare and provides comfortable vision. Updated prescription glasses also improve your vision and assist in reading or other close-up activities.

Advanced cataracts will likely require eye surgery to prevent severe vision loss or blindness. Cataract surgery removes your clouded lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens. This safe and effective outpatient procedure helps you regain visual clarity. Talk with your ophthalmologist to determine if cataract surgery is the best option for treating your cataracts.

Receive Expert Treatment for Your Cataracts at Monterey Bay Eye Center

Cataracts can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness if left unmanaged, so contact Monterey Bay Eye Center in Monterey, CA, to schedule an eye exam and protect your eye and vision health today. Our ophthalmologist and optometrist can manage your cataracts or provide surgery if necessary, so call us at (831) 372-1500 to schedule an eye exam and preserve your eyesight.