Most cataracts are age related. According to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Age-related cataracts can affect your vision.
So how do cataracts affect your vision? Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to cause blurred or fuzzy vision.
As we age the clear lens will change your vision gradually and may acquire a brownish shade. At first, the amount of tinting may be small and may not cause a vision problem. Over time, increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted to the retina.
If you have advanced lens discoloration, you may not be able to identify certain colors. For example, white cabinets in your kitchen may appear a dull beige. Other colors such as black, blue and purple may appear the same. Colors as a whole might not seem as vibrant in a picture or outside setting.
If you think you may have cataracts, it is important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible for a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye care provider will be able to detect early signs of cataracts by looking at the lenses in your eye. The days of waiting for your cataract to appear “ripe” are gone. Advancements in cataract surgical procedures and lens implant technology have made it now one of the safest and most successful surgeries that you can have.
Dr. Neil B. Griffin is a leading ophthalmologists in the Myrtle Beach area and specializes in cataract and LASIK surgery. He is committed to providing world class surgical technology and the most advanced vision diagnostics to the South Carolina area. Griffin Eye Center offers the latest in cataract surgery with the most advanced Intra-Ocular lenses on the market today including the new RX Sight® Light Adjustable Lens.
Visit www.griffineyecenter.com to learn more about which advanced technology lenses or find out if LASIK and/or another option of Laser Vision Correction is right for you. To schedule a cataract or LASIK consultation call 843-449-6414 or visit griffineyecenter.com.