Cataract FAQs

Cataracts can cause your vision to become cloudy. In some cases, the clouding is so bad, it limits your ability to drive at night or possibly at all. You may even lose your sight completely. It's important to seek out regular optometry examinations to detect the problem early. 

eye with cataract

What Are Cataracts

A cataract occurs when you have clouding over the lens of your eye. This portion of your eye is usually clear, but if you have cataracts, yours looks like you're looking through a window that's frosted over.

You may experience difficulty doing tasks most people don't have difficulty doing like driving, reading, or even seeing the expression on your friend's face. 

In most cases, cataracts develop slowly over the course of time. Early on, you won't have any issues with your eyesight. However, over time, cataracts do eventually cause issues with your vision and even a complete loss of your vision.   

Symptoms of Cataracts

Usually, a cataract only happens in one of your eyes. When you have it, you may have any of the following symptoms:

  • Poor night vision
  • Clouded, dim, or blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to glare and light
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Frequent changes in eyewear prescription
  • Fading or yellowing of colors
  • Double vision

Initially, the cataract may only affect a small portion of your vision, and you won't notice it. However, it'll worsen over time until they interfere with your life. 

Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts tend to arise from the aging processes, but an injury can cause them as well. Sometimes, it's an inherited genetic disorder that leads to cataracts. 

Diagnosing Cataracts

At your optometry appointment, we'll conduct a complete evaluation of your eyes including your visual acuity and the health of your eyes. A portion of that examination consists of our optometrist looking inside of your eye using a slit-lamp. We can see the internal structure to identify if you have any issues with your cornea, lens, iris, or anywhere in between. 

Treatment of Cataracts

The treatment for cataracts that we offer is prescription eyewear that corrects any deficit you have in your vision. However, your cataract may eventually progress to a point where prescription eyewear isn't enough. There isn't much we can do at this point besides referring you to a surgeon who can correct the issue. While surgery sounds like an aggressive approach, it's a very common procedure. During the surgery, the specialist removes your damaged lens and replaces it with an artificial one. At our eye care office, we provide you with education, so you can make an informed decision. We'll also give you a referral. 

Contact Primary Eyecare and Optical of Meridian Today

Schedule an appointment with Primary Eyecare and Optical of Meridian, serving Meridian, MS and the surrounding area, to have an evaluation for cataracts by calling today. 

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Locations

Hours

Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian

Monday, Wednesday - Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday, Sunday

Closed

Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian

Monday, Wednesday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday, Sunday
Closed