Cataract Diagnosis & Care | VIVID Eyecare Springfield, PA

Cataracts: What You Need to Know

Protect your vision and reduce your risk.

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions. In fact, by age 80, more than half of people in the U.S. will either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, it’s time to check in with your eye doctor.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at VIVID Eyecare today.

What Are Cataracts?

Inside each eye is a clear, natural lens that helps you see. Over time, proteins in the lens can break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. This cloudiness is called a cataract.

Cataracts often develop in both eyes, though not always at the same rate. You might notice one eye becoming blurrier or dimmer than the other.

Common Symptoms Include:

Blurry, hazy, or less colorful vision
Increased sensitivity to light and glare
Yellowing of colors
Dim or double vision (in one eye)
Needing brighter light for reading
Difficulty driving at night
Seeing halos or rings around lights

Who’s at Risk?

While aging is the most common cause, other factors can increase your risk:

Excessive sun exposure
Previous eye surgery or injury
Diabetes
High blood pressure Obesity
Smoking or heavy alcohol use
Long-term use of corticosteroids
Family history of cataracts

How to Reduce Your Risk

You can’t stop aging, but you can take steps to protect your eyes:

Get Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is key. Your optometrist can spot signs of cataracts before they affect your vision.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun: Wear sunglasses that block UVB rays and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your eye doctor will use tests like a slit-lamp exam, visual acuity test, and retinal exam to diagnose cataracts.

In early stages, prescription glasses may help improve your vision. When glasses no longer work, cataract surgery is often recommended—and it’s one of the safest and most effective procedures available.