Cataracts

Cataracts are common among aging adults, affecting more than half of those 80 and older. At Vistasite Eye Care Inwood in Inwood, Manhattan, Vanessa Silva, OD, diagnoses and offers treatment recommendations for cataracts to eliminate cloudy vision and help you see clearly. Schedule an eye evaluation by calling the New York City office or booking an appointment online today. 

What are cataracts?

Cataracts cause clouding of the lenses in your eyes. People with cataracts have clouded vision that’s similar to looking through a fogged-up window. Left untreated, cataracts can make it difficult to drive a car at night, read, and complete other routine daily activities. 

Cataracts often develop slowly, causing worsening vision problems over time. Dr. Silva can detect cataracts and provide treatment recommendations that help you see clearly. 

Which symptoms can cataracts cause?

The following are symptoms of cataracts:

• Difficulty seeing at night
• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Dim vision
• Light and glare sensitivity
• Double vision in one eye
• Yellowing or fading colors
• Seeing halos around lights
• Need for a brighter reading light
• Frequent changes in your vision prescription

Seeing Dr. Silva for routine eye exams can help detect cataracts in the early stages, before they limit your vision. 

What increases the risk of cataracts?

The following could increase the risk of developing cataracts:

• Aging
• Eye injuries
• Genetics
• Other eye conditions
• Diabetes
• Previous eye surgery
• Long-term use of steroid medications
• Obesity 
• Smoking
• Eye inflammation
• Unprotected sun exposure
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Reducing the risk of cataracts involves not smoking, eating a nutritious diet, managing diabetes or other chronic conditions, and protecting your eyes from the sun. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is also helpful.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Dr. Silva completes an eye exam using a specialized light. She also completes vision testing, fluid pressure testing, and a dilated eye exam by dilating your pupils with eye drops. She can determine if you have cataracts and their severity. 

How are cataracts treated?

Common treatments for cataracts include vision correction (glasses or contacts), healthy lifestyle changes, and cataract surgery. The surgery replaces a clouded lens with a clear lens. Dr. Silva follows up to ensure exceptional vision after your surgery.

A healthy lifestyle includes wearing sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes and protecting your eyes from injuries when playing sports or using power tools. It’s also beneficial to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and other nutrient-dense foods. 

Schedule a cataracts evaluation at Vistasite Eye Care Inwood by calling the office or booking an eye exam online today.