You can have cataracts and not know it until they start to interfere with your vision. The earlier you know you have them, the sooner you can begin working on slowing down their progression. This is why it’s so important to have regular eye exams from an eye doctor or optometrist. At Kilgo Eye Center, we have been providing residents of Asheville, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Brevard, and Weaverville, NC with reliable eye care services for many years.
Who is at Risk for Cataracts?
People most at risk for cataracts are older, smoke, have diabetes, have high blood pressure, are overweight, stay out in the sun a lot without eye protection, drink too much, had a previous eye injury or surgery, or have used corticosteroid medication for a long time. Some people are also born with cataracts. Anybody in these high-risk categories should get regular eye exams to diagnose cataracts.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Common symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, cloudy vision, colors appearing faded, everything appearing darker, everything you see having a yellow tinge, double vision in only one eye, seeing haloes around lights, and needing more light to see. Many people with cataracts are unable to drive at night because headlights from other cars, street lamps, or signs can be blinding.
Are Cataracts Curable?
Cataracts do not go away on their own. There is no medicine available that cures cataracts. The only way to treat cataracts is surgical removal.
Can Cataracts Make You Go Blind?
Cataracts are the number one reason in the world why people go blind. Blindness is inevitable when you have cataracts, which is why you need surgery before they are allowed to progress.
What is Cataract Surgery Like?
Surgery is done at a hospital or an eye clinic. You do not have to stay overnight. You will be too sedated to drive, so you need to arrange for a ride home after surgery. Only one eye is done at a time, so you can still see. You are usually awake but take anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye.
What Should I Do After Surgery?
You need to go see your eye doctor or optometrist the next day to make sure the surgery went well. Post-op care will include taking medicated eye drops and wearing an eye shield, which should even be worn while you sleep to prevent you from rubbing your eye. If you rub your eye during the healing process, you could damage it. Your eye surgeon will give you detailed instructions.
Eye Care in Asheville, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Brevard, and Weaverville
Do you think you might have cataracts? If you live in the Asheville, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Brevard, or Weaverville, NC areas, contact Kilgo Eye Care at (828) 676-3260 to make an appointment with our eye doctor today.
