Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. They can happen to anyone, although most people do not show signs of them until they are at an advanced stage. At Eyes On The Lake, we provide superior eye care services including exams that allow us to detect cataracts.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through this lens is similar to a foggy window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts makes it difficult to drive at night, read, and even see people in front of you. Cataracts usually develop slowly. However, over time, these cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision. This makes having regular eye exams in Columbia, SC essential for early detection.
The Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts are common in older patients. They occur when there is a protein buildup on your lens. As they worsen, you will begin to see white cloudy spots in your vision. Other common cataract symptoms include:
- Glare
- Halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Trouble reading or driving at night
Testing
During your visit, we will discuss your health and medication history. This includes you and your family’s history of eye diseases or health conditions that may affect your vision such as diabetes or high blood pressure. We will discuss any symptoms that you may have, the date of your last eye exam and if you have experienced any changes in your vision.
After the discussion, our doctor of optometry will perform visual acuity testing. This measures your near and distance vision to determine the clarity. We also will use a phoropter to determine if your vision can be improved with contact lenses or glasses. Visual field testing helps us determine your peripheral vision. Lastly, we will evaluate your eye health and look for signs of cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome.
Cataract Treatment
Cataract surgery removes the damaged lens and replaces it with a new one, an intraocular lens or IOL. The surgery is quick and easy with minimal downtime needed. It is one of the safest and effective surgeries. We can handle all of your pre- and post-op care at Eyes On The Lake.
Contact Our Optometrist in Columbia, SC
If you are experiencing cataract symptoms in Columbia, it is time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniels at Eyes On The Lake. Call our team today at (803) 233-1774 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.