Cataracts can make it hard to see your environment comfortably and work effectively. At Legacy Eye Care, with two offices in South Hill and additional locations in Chester and Colonial Heights, Virginia, the dedicated team of optometrists uses the latest cutting-edge technology to screen, diagnose, and monitor cataracts. Call the office nearest to you, or book online to schedule your appointment today.

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What are cataracts?

Cataracts occur when part of your normally clear eye lens becomes cloudy or milky white. An advanced cataract can make you feel like you’re always looking through a dirty or dusty window.

Cataracts usually develop after the age of 40, and by the age of 75 about half of all Americans develop cataracts. Fortunately, cataracts grow quite slowly, and there are effective methods of managing and treating them.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts mainly develop when crystallins (proteins within the eye lens) start to break down and clump together. This is a normal part of aging, so most people over the age of 60 have at least some degree of lens cloudiness.

Aging isn’t the only cause of cataracts, though. Sudden eye injuries, having a condition like diabetes, a family history of cataracts, long-term use of corticosteroids, excessive time in the sun, and other factors can also play a role in the development of cataracts.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

The Legacy Eye Care team usually diagnoses cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam. They can identify cataracts in their early stages before they actually cause any changes in your vision.

How are cataracts treated?

After diagnosing cataracts, the Legacy Eye Care team monitors your eyes during regular eye exams. They can help you to adapt to changes in your vision with updated glasses or contacts and personalize lifestyle recommendations.

The team continues to monitor your cataracts until you’re having significant vision problems. This usually takes many years. When you’re ready for cataract removal surgery, the team refers you to an ophthalmologist (a specialist who performs cataract removal and other types of eye surgery).

Cataract surgery involves removing the eye lens and restoring the eye using an artificial lens. If you currently wear glasses or contacts, your new artificial lens includes a prescription to correct your vision. There are even multifocal and progressive lenses to correct your distance and reading vision in the same lens.

After your cataract surgery, you’ll return to Legacy Eye Care for follow-up appointments. The team can help you adapt to your new (and much improved) vision while keeping your eyes healthy long-term.

If you have cloudy or milky vision because of cataracts, take the first step toward relief by calling or booking online for the nearest Legacy Eye Care office in South Hill, Chester, or Colonial Heights, Virginia.