Cataracts
A cataract is a very common condition that causes a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. If left untreated, cataracts can cause a severe debilitation in vision, and may ultimately lead to blindness. Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions in America, particularly seen in people over 65. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 50% of all Americans develop cataracts by age 75.
At Riverside EyeCare Professionals our board-certified ophthalmologists—Dr. Michael Sumsion and Dr. Sean Sumsion—perform cataract surgery to precisely remove cataracts and improve your vision. This virtually painless procedure includes state-of-the-art techniques and lenses that can help you restore your vision and your lifestyle.
Please follow the links below to get detailed information about cataracts and cataract surgery, as well as treatments designed to improve vision after cataract removal. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our ophthalmologists, please
contact Riverside EyeCare Professionals today.
Are There Different Types of Cataracts?
There are three main types of cataracts that can cloud the natural lens. The names of each type refer to the location of the lens where the cataract develops:
- Nuclear cataracts are associated with the natural aging process and form around the center of the eye’s lens. This type of cataract can appear to have a yellow or brown color.
- Subcapsular (posterior) cataracts tend to form more rapidly than other types of cataracts and are most often found in patients with a history of steroid medication use and diabetes. These cataracts form on the back side of the eye’s lens.
- Cortical cataracts are opaque white and form along the peripheral edges of the eye’s lens (called the cortex). They are wedge-shaped and grow inward toward the center of the lens.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts form due to a buildup of protein in the eye’s lens, which clouds vision. Most commonly, cataracts develop as a result of the natural aging process; however, they may also be caused or hastened by a variety of other known risk factors:
- Injury to the eye
- Previous eye surgeries
- Certain medications (i.e. steroid medications)
- Certain health problems and diseases (i.e. diabetes)
- Other eye conditions
- Excessive exposure to UV light
- Smoking
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
There are many symptoms you may experience as a result of cataracts. If you notice any of these signs, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists for an exam that includes state-of-the-art diagnostic testing.
- Vision that seems foggy, blurry, or dulled
- Progressive loss of vision
- Double-vision
- Noticeable glare
- Poor vision in low-light and nighttime conditions
- Need for additional light to read or complete other activities
- Marked loss of vision that affects quality of life
- Appearance of halos surrounding bright lights
- Frequent vision prescription changes
- Shadowy double images (“ghost images”)
- Faded or yellowed perception of colors
- Light sensitivity
What Are My Cataract Treatment Options?
Our experienced cataract surgeons offer a number of extraordinarily effective, virtually painless cataract treatments that can not only remove the cataract, but also improve your vision after the procedure. During cataract surgery, an intraocular lens (IOL) replaces your natural lens with an implant that can help to improve near, intermediate, and far distance vision.
Contact Riverside EyeCare Professionals
If you would like more information on the many procedures we offer, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Sumsion, please contact Riverside EyeCare Professionals today.