Did you know that cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.? Cataracts are a serious eye condition that can impact your ability to confidently drive, work, and do your favorite activities.
Understanding your risk as you get older is key to protecting your vision, as the vast majority of cataracts are age-related. But at what age should you start worrying about cataracts?
Keep reading to learn more about what age cataracts typically form and the steps you can take to protect your vision.
What Is a Cataract?
Your natural lens is a clear, curved structure that sits behind your pupil. The lens focuses light that enters your eye through the pupil, sending it to the retina, which transmits visual information to the brain.
A normal, healthy lens is clear, but when the proteins in the lens break down, it creates a cataract. A cataract is a cloudy patch that forms on the natural lens.
At first, they may not present with noticeable symptoms, but cataracts can significantly impact your vision as they develop. Many patients describe it as if they’re looking at everything through a cloudy, foggy window.
Other common cataract symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Poor night vision
- Faded colors
- Double vision
- Halos and glare around lights
- Needing frequent prescription changes
If you start to notice these signs of cataracts, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at Frantz EyeCare. Getting properly diagnosed is essential so you can begin a prompt and effective treatment plan.
When Do Cataracts Form?
Age-related cataracts are by far the most common type of cataracts. For many people, cataracts begin to form around the age of 40.
However, because they develop gradually, you likely won’t notice the impacts on your vision at first. You may be able to reduce the effects of your symptoms with a higher prescription for glasses or contacts, but you will eventually need cataract surgery to restore your vision.
You can stay on top of your cataracts by attending regular eye exams at Frantz EyeCare. Your eye doctor will perform various tests to assess whether you have cataracts and how far they have progressed.
Based on their findings, they will recommend when the right time for you to get cataract surgery is. Typically, once cataracts have started to impact your ability to drive, do hobbies, or socialize, it’s time to consider cataract surgery.
This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the cataract-affected natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens cannot develop cataracts and restores your vision to how it was before.
Depending on the IOL you choose, you may be able to experience clearer vision than ever before and reduce your need for glasses and contacts. The premium IOLs offered at Frantz EyeCare include the PanOptix trifocal, Vivity EDOF, Crystalens, and the Light Adjustable Lens.
Can You Get Cataracts Before 40?
While most cataracts are age-related, it is still possible to get cataracts before age 40. Other types of cataracts include:
Traumatic Cataracts
Injuries to the eye can sometimes result in the development of cataracts when they disrupt the fibers of the natural lens.
Secondary Cataracts
Although it’s uncommon, sometimes cloudy patches can re-form after cataract surgery in a process called posterior capsular opacification. Luckily, secondary cataracts are highly treatable with a quick procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.
Congenital Cataracts
Some cataract patients are born with the condition or develop it as infants or toddlers. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury or illness during pregnancy, premature birth, or hypoglycemia during pregnancy.
Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts? Schedule an appointment at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL, today!
