Cataract Overview From Our Optometrist

In the past, cataracts were a normal part of getting older and something that many people just had to deal with. Fortunately, with the right care from an eye doctor, cataracts can be treated. Located in Mankato, our optometrist at Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic treats patients of all ages across the Mankato - New Ulm region. Here is what you need to know about cataracts and how we can help.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a condition of the eye in which areas of the lens become cloudy in appearance. This results in blurred or foggy vision, often leading to full blindness if left untreated. Cataracts can result from damage to the eye or a variety of underlying medical conditions, like diabetes or cancer. Long term exposure to harmful UV rays may also be a cause.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Light sensitivity or seeing "halos" around lights
• Colors seeming less vivid or bright as they once were
• Blurred vision
• Decreased or noticeably poorer night vision
• Fading or cloudy spots in the middle of the eye
• Double vision

Many people notice only subtle changes in their vision when cataracts are first starting to form. If you notice anything with your eyesight that looks or feels out of the ordinary, it's important to make an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible in order to determine the cause. The sooner cataracts are discovered, the faster something can be done about them. 

How an Eye Doctor Can Treat Cataracts

Regular eye appointments can detect cataracts early on and even prevent them from becoming worse once noticed. The right kind of treatment will depend on the severity and progression of cataracts. For mild cataracts that may have resulted from damage to the eye, your optometrist may simply recommend monitoring and shielding from the sun. 

For more severe cataracts that are bothering you, your eye doctor may want to explore surgical options. For many, the best treatment is to replace the clouded or damaged lens of the eye with an artificial one. For people, whose eye shapes and/or history prevent this from being an option, there may be other forms of treatment available to help ease the symptoms and prevent cataracts from getting any worse.

Call Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic Today!

The days of just accepting poor vision as a normal part of aging are over. At Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic, we want to ensure that all patients in the Mankato and New Ulm areas know they do not have to suffer from cataracts. Make an appointment with our optometrist today to learn more about your condition and your treatment options.