Understanding Cataract Treatment in Bloomington, IN

In most cases, cataracts are simply an unavoidable part of the aging process that begins to appear after the age of 40. The proteins of the lens of the eye often begin to degrade and lump together on the eye's inner lens. The fogginess resulting from cataracts progressively gets worse and keeps light from focusing on the retina the way it needs to. This clouding of the lens of the eye results in loss of vision and sometimes total blindness if not diagnosed soon enough and treated appropriately. The physicians at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana are skilled in diagnosing and managing cataracts. Reach out to or visit our Bloomington, IN office today to schedule a comprehensive exam.

The primary symptom of cataracts is progressively clouded vision that isn’t sharpened by a person’s current glasses prescription. Lifestyle choices, like cigarette smoking, drinking too much or too often, and extended UV ray exposure have been shown to correspond with cataracts as have some health conditions, like diabetes and hypertension. To determine whether someone has a cataract, an eye doctor needs to perform an in-depth eye exam. Our team at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana is highly experienced in the tests involved in a comprehensive cataract exam. The typical tests to look for a cataract are all very simple, over with quickly, and cause little to no discomfort.

While age is the primary risk factor for developing cataracts, there are several potential contributing factors that could increase your risk. The Eye Center of Southern Indiana can perform an assessment of your health and lifestyle to determine if your cloudy vision is caused by cataracts. These factors may include:

• Genetics, or a family history of cataracts
• Extended exposure to UV light
• Prolonged use of certain medications
• Untreated or chronic illnesses
• Poor diet lacking in necessary nutrients and vitamins
• Smoking cigarettes or using other forms of tobacco

To begin, one of The Eye Center physicians or a member of the team will carry out a simple vision test, which includes examining ability to read at a distance, ability to perceive contrast, and a look at the inside of the eye after dilating the pupils. Once your physician identifies a cataract, he can discuss the various methods of treatment. These treatments for cataracts are chosen according to the advanced degree of the condition. When cataracts are detected early enough, a lot of patients manage very well with new prescription eyeglasses or contacts. Patients with more advanced cataracts, however, typically need a stronger option, such as laser or traditional cataract surgery performed right here in our office on an outpatient basis. The Eye Center physicians and their team are committed to offering each of our patients the best possible care.

When should cataracts be treated?

You should visit a cataract professional like the doctors at The Eye Center Of Southern Indiana as soon as cataracts begin to affect your vision. If you have trouble reading, driving, or performing other simple activities due to cloudy vision, it's time to schedule an appointment. Your cataracts will need to be addressed to prevent future vision loss or blindness.

Can cataracts stop progressing on their own?

Unfortunately, cataracts will only worsen if they are left untreated in Bloomington. While short-term fixes like brighter lights and reading glasses may help, they don't address the root of the problem. The only real way to eliminate cataracts is to have them removed through advanced surgery.

Is cataract surgery painful?

The Eye Center of Southern Indiana does everything possible to make sure patients feel at ease during cataract surgery. Our procedure is considered painless because we numb the treatment area beforehand. We also provide medications and eye drops — so patients are comfortable during recovery.

Bloomington, IN individuals who are experiencing any symptoms like these or who haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam for more than two years should arrange an appointment with The Eye Center of Southern Indiana right away. Especially for individuals who are 40 years of age or more, receiving comprehensive eye exams every other year is crucial to finding and treating cataracts, as well as other eye diseases. With an early diagnosis, the physicians at The Eye Center and the rest of our team can recommend a customized plan to treat your cataracts.