HOW a cataract develops

The eye’s lens is responsible for helping to focus light on the retina in the back of the eye. A cataract forms when proteins within the lens begin to cluster together, causing the lens to cloud. If the lens is cloudy, it cannot properly focus the image on the retina. This makes vision blurry and colors indistinct. When your lifestyle is threatened by a cataract, it is time to consult Dr. Paras Shah at North County Ophthalmology about your options.

WHY a cataract develops

What causes the lens to cloud? In most cases, the culprit is the normal aging process. If you are age 65 or older, you probably have a cataract, but it may not have progressed to the point that it affects your vision. Certain lifestyle choices and relatively common health conditions, like diabetes, may hasten cataract development. Nutrition may play at least a limited role. Some research suggests that antioxidant vitamins, like vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamins C and E, and selenium, may slow cataract development. All of these are available in common multivitamin formulas. Beyond that, the use of nutritional supplements carries its own risks; you should consult your physician before adding them to your diet.

Are cataracts inevitable?

Yes and no.

If you live long enough, you will almost certainly develop cataracts, because they are part of the normal aging process. However, studies suggest accumulated exposure to ultraviolet light causes the natural lens to cloud, and that certain lifestyle choices and relatively common health conditions, like diabetes, hasten cataract development.

The SYMPTOMS of cataracts

Cataracts do NOT generally cause pain, discomfort, redness, discharge, or sudden, alarming vision changes that would lead you to seek immediate help. The changes caused by cataracts generally develop so slowly that you won’t notice them until they are serious enough to affect your normal lifestyle.

Take our CATARACT QUIZ!

Note: Even if you think you do not have a cataract, you should seek medical attention if you are having troublesome eye symptoms. Call (858) 485-5600 to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online.

SURGERY to correct a CATARACT

Cataract surgery THEN:

Some of us can still recall the way cataract surgery was done in our parents’ and grandparents’ day: the hospital stay, the sandbagging, and the lengthy recovery time…and don’t forget the “coke bottle” glasses they had to wear for the rest of their lives.

Cataract surgery NOW:

The more than three million people who will have cataracts removed this year are fortunate to live at a time when cataract correction is so very convenient, safe, and comfortable.

Advanced Cataract Surgery at North County Ophthalmology is...

SAFE: Dr. Shah performs cataract correction under the high magnification of a microscope using small instruments and ultrasound energy.

COMFORTABLE: Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye during cataract surgery. Sophisticated, modern techniques mean NO stitches or patches are necessary in most cases.

EFFECTIVE: Patients experience an almost immediate improvement in vision and a speedy recovery time.

STATE-OF-THE-ART: We offer premium replacement lens implants based on advanced technology.

AFFORDABLE: We gladly accept Medicare assignment.

Ready to make and appointment? Contact Us!