Cataracts Specialist

Comprehensive Ophthalmology located in Libertyville, IL

Cataracts

Cataracts cause clouding of your eye’s normally clear lens, restricting your vision. This is a common eye condition that most often develops as you get older. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for cataracts that can help you see better. The team of highly skilled ophthalmologists at North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians in Libertyville, Illinois, specializes in diagnosing and treating cataracts, offering medical and surgical options. Call the office today or schedule your cataract appointment online.

Cataracts Q & A

What are cataracts?

Cataracts describe a clouding in the lens of the eye. Your lens bends light as it enters the eye, sending the light to the retina in the back of your eye. The placement of the light determines how clear your vision is.

When the lens gets cloudy, your vision becomes blurry and hazy.

Cataracts are a regular and expected part of the aging process. Around the time you reach 40, the proteins in your eye begin to break down, and these broken pieces of protein clump together, creating the cloudy lens (cataract).

Over time, the clouding gets worse, affecting your vision.

Though age is a significant risk factor for cataracts, your risk is higher if you have:

Family history of cataracts
Health problems like diabetes
Previous eye injury or surgery
Used steroids for a long time

Smoking and prolonged unprotected sun exposure also put you at greater risk of developing cataracts.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

You can have cataracts and not have any symptoms. But as the eye clouding gets worse, you could notice:

Blurry or cloudy vision
Colors fading
Poor night vision
Frequent changing of your eyeglass prescription

These are common symptoms of many eye conditions. Whenever you notice changes in your vision, you should schedule a consultation at North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians.

When left untreated, cataracts can lead to partial or total blindness.

What eye tests find cataracts?

The North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians team performs a thorough eye exam when you come in with concerns about vision changes. They check your vision and evaluate the structure and function of your eyes.

The team can diagnose cataracts during a dilated eye exam.

How are cataracts treated?

Many treatments are available for cataracts. During the early stages, the team usually suggests eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve your vision.

As the clouding gets worse, the team will recommend cataract surgery. North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians uses the most advanced tools and techniques for cataract surgery to get the best results.

You might no longer need prescription glasses after cataract surgery.

Call North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians today or book online to schedule your eye exam.