Treatment for Cataracts
Associated with aging, cataracts occur when there is a clouding of the lens. No one is immune and it can happen in one eye or both. Cataract starts with not much influence on your vision. Soon you will notice things starting to become blurred, as if you are looking through a dirty window. Because of the cataract, bright lights may bother you, colors you see become dull. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of cataract you develop. Our staff at Eye Care Center - Ballantyne wants Ballantyne and Charlotte residents to know the signs of cataracts and how we can treat them at our office.
Types of Cataract
There are three main types of cataracts:
- Nuclear cataractâThis type forms in the lensâs nucleus and is normally brought on due to aging. As this type of cataract progresses, the lens of the eye will turn brown and it will be difficult to distinguish between different shades of color.
- Subscapular cataractâCataracts that forms in the back of the lens. We normally associate this type with those that start or take steroid medications. Symptoms and signs may not even occur until the eye disease has well on its way developed.
- Cortical cataractâCortical cataracts starts in the peripheral part of the lens, or the lens cortex, which is the section that surrounds the nucleus lens center, with wedge-like opacities that then move towards the center of the lens.
Other Types
While cataractâs normal cause is from aging, there are other ways' cataract can develop.
- Traumatic cataractâCataract that has developed after an eye injury. Can even be some months or years later.
- Secondary cataractâForms after eye surgery was done. It can also be created from health problems or other eye issues.
- Radiation cataractâCataract brought on by exposure to certain types of radiation.
- Congenital cataractâCataract that happen at birth, or happen later in childhood.
Cataract Detection
As you get older, your risk for cataract increases. There are a variety of ways your eye care professional can use to detect for cataract.
- Dilated eye examâyour Optometric dilates your eyes, then uses a special lens device to look deep into the eye for any sign of cataract and other eye diseases.
- Visual acuity testâA chart used to measure your distance vision and your clarity vision.
- Slit-lamp examâWhere a special microscope(slit-lamp) looks at the lens, cornea, and iris for any abnormalities.
Do you have concerns for your eyes? Then visit your optometry specialists at Eye Care Center - Ballantyne in Charlotte. We are equipped to host every eye care need you have from detailed exams, early eye disease detection, eyeglass prescriptions and more. Come on in or call (704) 541-5500 to schedule your appointment with us today.