You may not notice a slight change in your vision, as cataract starts out very tiny, but as it grows from the size of a pin head, you may notice that your vision is becoming blurry, and you may feel as if you are looking through dirty eyeglasses. Object edges may appear to fade into one another and colors may not appear as bright as they should.

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

Cloudy or blurry vision.

Problems with light, such as headlights that seem too bright, glare from lamps or very bright sunlight.

Colors that seem faded.

Poor night vision.

Double or multiple vision.
 
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses.

Optical aids such as eyeglasses or contact lenses are no longer effective.

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Cataract surgery is a selective and successful solution to restoring vision when the cataracts seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with millions of surgeries done each year. Cataract surgery is a routine and relatively painless procedure.

Cataract surgery is generally performed on an out patient basis. You will not need to be hospitalized or put to sleep for your doctor to perform your surgery. The procedure normally takes less then 15 minutes and you can return home shortly after your procedure. Most people will enjoy improved vision by the day after surgery or within a few days following the procedure.


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It is not completely known why cataracts occur in all instances, but studies on the cause of cataracts will soon teach us how to more successfully treat and prevent them.

The most commonly known type of cataract is age related.

Ultraviolet light is a known catalyst for the formation of cataracts, so we recommend wearing 100% UV blocking sunglasses which will lessen your exposure over time.

Other studies point to people with diabetes as a higher risk group for cataract development than those who do not suffer from diabetes.

Cigarettes, air pollution, heavy drug usage and severe alcohol consumption may also contribute to your chances of developing cataracts.

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Both are eye doctors that diagnose and treat many of the same eye conditions. The American Optometric Association defines Doctors of Optometry as: primary health care professionals who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy and medications as well as perform certain surgical procedures.

The main difference between the two, is that ophthalmologists perform surgery, where an optometrist would not, preferring to specialize in eye examinations, as well as eyeglass and contact lens related services.

Optometrists would be involved in all of the pre- and post-operative care of these patients; collecting accurate data, educating the patient, and insuring proper healing after the procedure. An ophthalmologist is more of a medical related specialist, who would need only to be involved if some kind of surgery were being considered. An optometrist can treat many eye condition if needed. This may include the treatment of eye infections, allergic eye conditions and others, to name just a few.

A third "O" that often is overlooked, is the optician. An optician is not a doctor, and they cannot examine your eye under their own license. However, a highly trained optician plays an indispensable role in the most successful eye doctors' offices. An optician most often handles the optical and glasses side of things. Based on their vast knowledge of lenses, lens technology and frames, they manufacture eyeglasses, as well as assist in the selection of eyewear, based on the requirements of each individual patient.

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