Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects many people as they age. At Primary Eye Care Associates in Chicago, IL, our expert optometrist, Dr. Steven Chander, can diagnose cataracts and recommend treatment to prevent vision loss. If surgery is needed, we will refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist and provide you with pre- and post-operative care. 

What are cataracts?  

A cataract is a cloudy area that forms on the clear lens of the eye. It occurs when proteins in the eye break down and clump together, making it difficult for light to pass through the lens of your eye. As your cataract worsens, your lens becomes cloudier. Most people think of cataracts as an age-related condition, but they can also form because of trauma or certain medical conditions such as diabetes. 

Risk factors for cataracts  

Cataracts are primarily an age-related condition, but several other factors can increase the risk of their development. Some of the common risk factors for cataracts include: 

• Age (over 60) 
• A family history of cataracts  
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes and glaucoma 
• Smoking 
• Previous eye injury or surgery 
• Use of corticosteroid medications 
• Poor diet with nutritional deficiencies including a lack of antioxidants   
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight without proper eye protection 

Symptoms of cataracts  

Cataracts develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as they progress, several symptoms can become apparent. Some common symptoms of cataracts include: 

• Clouded or blurred vision 
• Increased sensitivity to glare 
• Difficulty seeing at night 
• Fading or yellowing of colors 
• Halos around lights 
• Double vision in one eye 
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription 

Diagnosing cataracts  

At Primary Eye Care Associates in Chicago, Dr. Chander can diagnose cataracts and a range of other eye diseases during a comprehensive eye exam. When you visit our clinic, he will perform a thorough examination to diagnose cataracts and assess their impact on your vision. He will discuss your symptoms, conduct visual tests, and evaluate the clarity of your natural lens. He may also measure the pressure within each eye and test your color vision and sensitivity to glare and light. 

Treatment for cataracts  

Treatment for cataracts will depend on the level of visual impairment they cause. If your cataracts have minimal or no impact on your vision, immediate treatment may not be necessary. In such cases, we may recommend monitoring your symptoms and scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams to assess any changes in your condition.  

In situations where your vision is affected, but surgery is not immediately required, we may explore other options to help improve your visual acuity. One such option is adjusting your eyeglass prescription. By updating your prescription, we can optimize your vision and provide temporary relief from the visual impairments caused by cataracts. 

If cataract surgery is recommended as the best course of treatment, we will provide comprehensive co-management services. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This surgical intervention can restore your clear vision, allowing you to enjoy improved visual clarity and quality of life.  

We work closely with skilled ophthalmologists who specialize in cataract surgery and will refer you to one of our trusted partners. They will perform the surgical procedure to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens. After cataract surgery, Dr. Chander at Primary Eye Care Associates will schedule follow-up visits with you to ensure a smooth recovery.  

Cataract prevention  

While it’s not possible to completely prevent cataracts, especially since age is a significant factor, you can adopt certain lifestyle choices and habits to reduce your risk of developing them. Some ways to lower your risk of cataracts include: 

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses when outside 
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants 
• Quit smoking 
• Limit alcohol consumption 
• Exercise regularly 
• Manage existing medical conditions such as diabetes 
• Use protective eyewear when playing sports 

The best form of prevention is to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with a qualified optometrist. Dr. Chander is experienced in diagnosing cataracts and providing pre- and post-operative care for cataract surgery. If you are concerned about cataracts, contact us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam at our office in South Side Chicago.