Cataracts FAQ

FAQs on Cataracts from our Ophthalmologist, Serving Springfield and Woodbridge

If you have cataracts, our Ophthalmologist, can evaluate your eyes and explain the condition and treatment options to you.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. It usually occurs as the result of aging, but anyone can develop a cataract. Babies can even be born with them.

Are there different types of cataracts?

Cataracts can be congenital, traumatic, secondary and age-related. Congenital cataracts are present at birth or can develop in early childhood. If you are diagnosed with a traumatic cataract, this means it developed after you experienced an injury to your eye. A secondary cataract develops as the result of something else. It could be exposure to toxic substances or chemicals, another illness or chronic condition or certain medications can cause cataracts. If you are told that you have an age-related cataract, it simply means that your cataract is due to the normal aging process of your eyes.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

If you have a cataract, your vision gradually becomes hazy or cloudy. You may notice your vision not as sharp as it used to be, and your glasses prescription can no longer correct your vision to an acceptable level. You may also notice an increase in glare at night especially while driving, and a change in your color vision.

How might your Ophthalmologist treat the cataract?

Our eye doctors will monitor the cataract if the cataract is mild. If your cataract worsens or starts to affect the quality of your life and your visual needs, cataract surgery may be recommended. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial focusing lens.