Eyecare Professionals

Optometrists located in Mandan, Hazen & Washburn, ND

Your risk of cataracts, or clouding of your eye’s lens, increases with age as about half of Americans have cataracts by age 75. If cloudy vision makes it difficult to safely complete everyday tasks, such as driving, the experienced optometrists at Eyecare Professionals in Mandan, Hazen, and Washburn, North Dakota, can help. The team detects, manages, and offers pre- and post-operative care for cataracts, and they work closely with experienced eye surgeons in the area. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online with Eyecare Professionals today.

Cataracts Q & A

What are cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eyes become cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly, drive a car, read, or complete other routine tasks. In its early stages, a cataract might cause minor visual impairments that slowly get worse over time.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

The specific cataract symptoms you experience varies based on how advanced your condition is. Common signs and symptoms of the disease include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Light sensitivity
• Dim vision
• Poor night vision
• Frequent changes in contact or eyeglass lens prescriptions
• Seeing halos around lights
• Requiring a bright light for reading
• Double vision in one or both eyes
• Seeing colors that fade or look yellowish

During the early stages of a cataract, vision cloudiness may be so subtle that you don’t notice it. Over time, symptoms often become more obvious.

What are the risk factors for cataracts?

Cataracts can happen to anybody, but the following factors increase your risk of developing them:

• A previous eye injury
• Older age
• Genetics
• Past eye surgeries
• Diabetes or another medical condition
• Long term steroid medication usage
• Obesity
• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
• Excessive sunlight exposure
• High blood pressure

You can’t always prevent cataracts but maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking or drinking excessively, eating a healthy diet, protecting your eyes from the sun, and properly managing diabetes reduces your risk. 

Routine eye exams help your optometrist detect cataracts early before serious vision problems begin.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

The experienced optometrists at Eyecare Professionals review your symptoms and medical history and complete a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose cataracts. 

They utilize a visual acuity test to evaluate your vision, a slit-lamp examination to view your ocular structures under light and magnification, and a dilated retinal exam to view your retina. To dilate your pupils, your optometrist uses special eye drops.

What is the treatment for cataracts?

Your eye doctor determines the severity of cataracts and helps you properly manage the disease. The team offers eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve your vision. 

If you require cataract surgery, they work with local surgeons and provide pre- and post-operative exams and care.

Don’t let cloudy vision prevent you from enjoying normal everyday activities. Schedule an eye exam with Eyecare Professionals over the phone or online today.