Questions?
Call us today!
760-340-EYES
Or email us:
Office Locations
Click to view map
 Eye Surgery Center |
 Palm Desert |
39700 Bob Hope Dr |
 LaQuinta Laser Center |
 555 Tachevah Drive |
 Plaza Eye Fashions |
Follow Us
 |
 |
Cataracts
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts, the clouding of the eye's normally transparent lens, are the most common chronic visual disorder in this country, accounting for 75 percent of all eye operations. Most doctors regard the great majority of cataracts as a normal part of the aging process, much like the graying of hair. However, some types of cataracts are present at birth, while others may be induced by trauma to the eye or diseases such as diabetes.
The formation of a cataract is caused by a build-up of dense fiber in the eye's transparent lens, which is what focuses light rays onto the retina. The eye's lens is very much like the lens of a camera; if the camera's lens is dirty or smeared, your snapshot will come out blurred. The eye also must have a crystal clear lens to produce a sharp picture. If the lens has a cloudy spot, vision is blurred.
Symptoms
Cataracts take many years to develop and do not usually cause problems in their earliest stages. In later stages, the most frequent symptoms are dimmed or blurred vision. The condition has its greatest effect on such activities as reading or driving, when sunlight or car headlights may be very irritating. Another symptom is the frequent need for strengthening of your eyeglass prescription. It is very important to know that cataracts can be confused with those of other eye problems. Only a doctor specializing in diseases of the eye can diagnose cataracts and recommend appropriate treatment.