As we age, we notice a variety of physical changes in our health, including vision. However, distinguishing between standard age-related vision decline and the development of a medical condition like cataracts can be tricky without professional care.
At Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma, located in Santa Ana and serving the North Tustin area, Anand Bhatt, MD, and Brandon Chuang, OD, are experts in identifying these differences to ensure timely intervention.
Here’s what they want you to keep an eye out for.
Aging affects the eyes just as it affects the rest of the body. Most people begin to notice changes in their vision in their 40s. A common age-related change is presbyopia, which is the gradual loss of the ability of the eyes to focus on nearby objects. This occurs because the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible over time.
Other normal signs of aging include a greater need for light when reading or working and changes in how colors are perceived. The lens may naturally yellow slightly, making it more difficult to distinguish between certain shades of blue and black. These shifts can be inconvenient, but they generally do not signify a serious underlying disease and can often be managed with updated prescription glasses or improved lighting.
Cataracts are not a normal part of aging that should be ignored, although they are very common. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. This clouding happens when proteins in the lens break down and clump together. True: age is the primary risk factor. More than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.
Unlike general age-related vision loss, cataracts cause specific symptoms that interfere with daily activities. These include:
In the United States, approximately 4 million cataract surgeries are performed annually. The prevalence of the condition is even broader, with over 24 million Americans currently diagnosed and living with cataracts.
It is important to recognize symptoms outside the typical range of aging. While needing more light to read is normal, feeling as though you are looking through a dirty or foggy window is a classic sign of a cataract. Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions can also indicate that a cataract is progressing.
Cataracts develop slowly and may not affect vision early on. However, as the cloud thickens, it eventually blocks light from reaching the retina.
Untreated, cataracts are a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Modern diagnostic tools used at our office allow for precise monitoring of lens density and its impact on your visual acuity.
The only way to treat a cataract is through surgical removal of the cloudy lens, which is then replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. This is one of the most common and safest procedures performed in the United States. Recent advancements have introduced premium lens options, such as the Light Adjustable Lens, which allow for vision customization after the procedure.
Cataract surgery can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Delaying treatment when symptoms are present can make the eventual surgery more complex, as the cataract may become harder over time.
Regular eye exams are the best way to determine if your vision changes are due to aging or the onset of cataracts.
If you notice your vision becoming increasingly blurry or glare making it difficult to drive at night, it is time for a professional evaluation. Contact Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma at 714-541-4185 to request an appointment at our Santa Ana office.
