Cataracts Treatment

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eyes natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This clouding can lead to a decrease in vision and may eventually interfere with daily activities such as reading or driving. Cataracts are commonly associated with aging but can also result from other factors.

Close-up of a brown eye with visible redness and wrinkles around the skin
Woman undergoing an eye exam at an optometrist, looking into a slit lamp with a focused expression

Causes and Risk Factors

Cataracts can develop due to:

  • Aging: The most common cause; proteins in the lens break down over time.
  • Trauma: An injury to the eye can lead to cataract formation.
  • Exposure to Radiation: Including UV rays from sunlight.
  • Medical Conditions: Such as diabetes.
  • Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids.
  • Smoking and Alcohol Use: Both can increase the risk.

Symptoms

Cataracts often develop slowly and may not disturb vision early on. As the cataract progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Clouded, blurred, or dim vision
  • Increased difficulty with vision at night
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
  • Seeing & halos & around lights
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
  • Fading or yellowing of colors
Finger pulling down lower eyelid to show irritated red eye
Two women looking into a slit lamp microscope during an eye exam

Diagnosis

An eye care professional will perform a comprehensive eye examination,which may include:

  • Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you see at various distances.
  • Slit-Lamp Examination: Allows the doctor to see the structures at the front of your eye under magnification.
  • Retinal Exam: After dilating the pupils, the doctor examines the retina for signs of cataracts.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Management

In the early stages, cataract symptoms may be managed with:

  • New Eyeglasses: Updating prescriptions to improve vision.
  • Brighter Lighting: Using brighter lights for reading and other activities.
  • Magnifying Lenses: For close-up work.
  • Anti-Glare Sunglasses: To reduce sensitivity to light.

Surgical Treatment

When cataracts interfere with daily activities, surgery is the most effective treatment. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed today.


At institutions like the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the Wilmer Eye Institute, advanced surgical techniques and technologies are employed to ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Contact American care if you get these symptoms

Consult an eye care professional if you experience:

  • Sudden vision changes
  • Double vision in one eye
  • Sudden eye pain or inflammation
  • Significant glare or halos around lights


Early detection and management can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Contact Us Today

Take the first step toward healthier vision with trusted, personalized eye care from our experienced team. Whether you need a routine exam or specialized treatment, we’re here to help you see your best.

Contact Us

Helping You See What Matters Most

American Eye Care Center is a one of the most well established practices in the Washington metropolitan offering the comprehensive services

Smiling woman in glasses and straw hat, wearing a gray shirt on a white background
Blank white screen with no visible content
Blank white screen.
Blank white screen with no visible content
Blank white screen with no visible content
Blank white image with no visible content

I had a wonderful experience at American Eye Care Center. The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my vision.

The team was very professional and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. The staff was friendly, and the eye exam was thorough and easy to understand.

Great experience from start to finish. The doctors took the time to answer all my questions and provided excellent care.

I had a wonderful experience at American Eye Care Center. The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my vision.

The team was very professional and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. The staff was friendly, and the eye exam was thorough and easy to understand.