Cataracts FAQs

Cataracts are a relatively common condition that can affect people of all ages. That being said, cataracts are mostly known to affect older patients. Dr. Coates and our team at Dunedin Eye Care provide pre- and post-op care for patients who receive cataract surgery. Let’s look at some of the questions that we run into regarding cataracts.

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What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, and often occurs with age. In most cases, cataracts develop slowly and do not affect your vision in the early stages. There are rare cases where the cataracts are aggressive and can cause a quick, significant change in your vision.

Who Is at Risk for Cataracts?

Although anyone can develop cataracts, some factors make your risk of developing them greater.

  • Age
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Previous eye trauma
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Excessive exposure to the sun
  • Smoking
  • Excessive drinking
  • Obesity
  • Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, particularly eye drops

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

The most common symptom of cataracts is cloudy vision. Many people with cataracts compare their vision to looking out of a dirty window. Other symptoms include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Yellowing or fading of colors
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Trouble driving at night
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Needing bright lights for closeup work
  • Double vision in one eye

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Cataracts can be diagnosed during your annual eye exam. During a typical exam, our optometrist will have you read the Snellen chart to test your visual acuity. We will also perform a slit lamp exam to get a good look at your eye. If our eye doctor suspects cataracts, we will use eye drops to dilate your eyes to get a better look. In some cases, we will perform applanation tonometry to measure the fluid pressure in your eye.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

In the early stages, cataract treatment may not be necessary. As long as your vision has not become worse, the eye doctor may want to hold off treatment. As the condition progresses, a new eyeglass prescription can help with your vision issues. When new glasses no longer work, our eye doctor may suggest cataract surgery. Although we do not perform the procedure at Dunedin Eye Care, we can provide pre- and post-op care as well as answer any questions that you may have.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam at Dunedin Eye Care

If you live in or around Dunedin, FL and it has been a while since your last eye exam, contact Dr. Coates at Dunedin Eye Care. We will check for cataracts as well as a variety of other eye health conditions that can affect your vision. Call our team today at (727) 733-0443 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.

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Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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