What Are Cataracts and When Should You Be Concerned?

Cataracts are a common eye condition that typically develops with age, but they can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. At Synoptic Eye Care, we’re committed to helping you preserve your vision and understand the warning signs of cataracts so you can take proactive steps toward clearer sight.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, often due to protein buildup that clumps together and blocks light from passing clearly through the lens. This clouding can develop slowly over time and may affect one or both eyes.

Cataracts are most often age-related, but they can also result from eye injuries, certain medical conditions like diabetes, or prolonged use of corticosteroid medications. Other risk factors include smoking, excessive UV exposure, and a family history of cataracts.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts can develop gradually, making it difficult to notice early symptoms. However, some signs to look out for include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision

• Sensitivity to light or glare

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Faded colors or yellowing of vision

• Halos around lights

• Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While early-stage cataracts may not require immediate treatment, it's important to monitor their progression. You should be concerned and seek an evaluation if:

• Your vision changes interfere with your daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

• Your prescription changes frequently but does not improve your vision.

• You notice increased glare or halos around lights, especially at night.

• You struggle with distinguishing colors or see everything with a yellow tint.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further vision impairment and may increase the risk of falls or accidents.

How Your Optometrist Can Help

At Synoptic Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect cataracts early, monitor their progression, and determine the best course of action. In the early stages, vision changes caused by cataracts may be managed with updated glasses or contact lenses and lifestyle adjustments like improved lighting.

When cataracts begin to significantly affect your vision and quality of life, we’ll refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist for surgical evaluation. Cataract surgery is a common and highly effective procedure that replaces the clouded lens with a clear artificial one, restoring clear vision in most cases. We also provide post-surgical care and ongoing eye health monitoring to ensure your recovery is smooth and your vision remains stable.

Take Control of Your Vision

Cataracts may be a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to disrupt your life. Regular eye exams are key to catching changes early and keeping your vision sharp.

If you’re noticing any changes in your vision, schedule an eye exam with Synoptic Eye Care to stay ahead of cataracts and keep your eyes healthy for the future. Visit our office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or call (954) 999-5592 to book an appointment today.