We use our eyes in almost every activity we perform whether reading, working, watching TV, surfing the internet, driving a car, or just enjoying nature. Our eyes and vision are truly remarkable. The eye works like a high tech camera; only better. Inside the eye, just behind the pupil, is a lens referred to as the crystalline lens. The lens focuses light on the retina which in turn forms images and sends them to the brain. The lens of the eye also protects the retina from the rays of the sun by acting as a filter of ultraviolet light. In addition, it has the ability to change shape allowing the eye to focus at various distances. Clarity of the crystalline lens changes over time eventually causing blurry vision or, what we refer to as a cataract. Cataracts develop slowly and painlessly until the ability to perform routine daily activities becomes difficult to impossible.
During early stages, cataracts have little effect on vision. As they mature, symptoms of glare, and diminished contrast and color sensitivity will occur. Symptoms may include cloudy or dimmed vision, sometimes double vision or in many cases both. Images may take on a dingy or yellowish tint and reading becomes difficult. Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions are common. Sensitivity to bright lights can make it difficult or impossible to drive at night because of glare from headlights of oncoming cars or during the day from the bright sun. Being able to read captions or scores at the bottom of the TV becomes increasingly difficult.
Although cataracts are not completely preventable, delaying there onset is possible to some degree. Quitting smoking, avoiding overexposure to sunlight by wearing sunglasses, avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are important protective measures. Cataracts affect Twenty-two million Americans. Fortunately, constant advancements in surgical technology have made removal safer and more successful than ever before. Many surgeons now perform laser assisted cataract surgery. In addition, the ability to choose your post-operative prescription is now an option. You can be left nearsighted, have monovision, see clear in the distance and wear reading glasses or choose a multifocal lens and see distance and near without glasses. Regardless of the technique, cataract surgery can improve vision in 99% of patients and prevents millions of Americans from going blind.
If you have questions about cataracts or are interested in having a vision and eye health exam, please contact our office in Stillwater at 405-372-1715. We also invite you to visit our website at www.cockrelleyecare.com and message us on Instagram and Facebook at Cockrell Eye Care Center!