I remember growing up, one of my favorite things to do when I went to my grandparent’s house was going into their basement and rummaging through old newspaper clippings that were stored over the years. I don’t remember any particular headline or major event, but I do remember the color of the newspaper itself. Instead of the black and white pages that one normally attributes to newspaper, the paper was yellow and faded. Just like the yellowing of the newspaper happens over time the lens inside of the eye becomes more yellow, hazy, and opacified causing a decrease in our vision and affecting our normally day to day living.
The lens of the eye sits right behind the pupil and is suspended there by zonules. Zonules are like springs of a trampoline that allow the lens to adjust from distance to near objects bringing everything into focus. Over time the lens undergoes biochemical changes and the proteins in the lens break down and clump together causing opacification and a hardening of the lens. The cataract that is formed worsens over time and if left without treatment, becomes hardened and complicates surgery.
When a patient begins to experience symptoms such as hazy or blurred vision, color changes to their environment, nighttime difficulties, or double vision it is time to get an eye examination to determine the extent of the cataract and prepare them for treatment. There are many new and advanced therapies to give the patient the best experience for their new vision. Cataracts is something that we all will get at one time or another in our lives. At Family Vision Eyecare, we offer the latest interventions for cataract and provide solutions for everyone’s unique situation.
John R. Perez, OD