At Broberg Eye Care, we provide the people of Austin with advanced vision correction and laser eye surgery. These procedures are designed to restore vision and improve it, always with a focus on maintaining wellness and enhancing quality of life.

Cataracts are a common vision problems that our eye care experts can treat. Let’s look at the basics of cataract formation and what risk factors may make cataracts more likely in your life.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts refer to the clouding of the naturally clear lens of the eye. When this happens, a person’s vision becomes blurry, hazy, or cloudy. While major vision loss is possible, treatment for cataracts is routine and simple.

Common Causes of Cataracts

The most common causes of cataracts are UV ray exposure, eye injury (particularly to the lenses), and long-term wear and tear to the lenses of the eyes. In some rare cases, cataracts may be present from birth (congenital cataracts).

Risk Factors for Developing Cataracts

Some of the most common risk factors for cataracts include the following:

  • Advanced Age – As people get older, the chances of developing cataracts grows considerably

  • Diabetes – Diabetes leads to a number of health issues, which includes formation of cataracts and vision loss

  • Excessive Sun Exposure – UV rays have negative effects on your skin as well as your vision, which is why it’s important to limit your direct exposure to the sun

  • Smoking – Smoking increases your risk of developing cataracts as well as making cancer, lung disease, and heart disease more likely

  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption – When you drink in excess, you increase your risk of developing cataracts later in life

  • High Blood Pressure – Believe it or not, hypertension is one of many health issues that can make cataracts more likely

  • Obesity – Obesity increases your risk of hypertention and diabetes, so it makes sense that obesity could make cataracts more likely

  • Previous Eye Injury – If your eyes was injured seriously at an earlier date, that means cataract formation is more likely down the road

  • Previous Eye Surgery – Certain eye surgeries, particularly those that involve the lens or that might affect the lens, will make cataracts more likely

  • Steroid Use – According to many studies, long-term use of steroids has been linked to the formation of cataracts

Obviously your risk increases if multiple factors are present.

Treating Cataracts

Treating cataracts typically involves the surgical removal of the clouded lens of the eye. The lens may be replaced with an implant.

If a cataract has not progressed too far and patients can still see reasonably well, surgery may not be necessary and patients will only need to wear corrective lenses.

Tips for Cataract Prevention

To prevent cataracts, the following tips ought to be considered:

  • Wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun
  • Wear a hat with a brim on sunny days for extra eye protection
  • Wear eye and face protection when playing sports or engaged in other applicable activities
  • Reduce your consumption of alcoholic beverages
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products
  • Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet
  • Attend eye exams regularly as you get older

Learn More About Cataracts

If you would like to learn more about cataracts and how they can be removed while a patient’s vision is restored, be sure to contact our advanced vision correction center today. The team at Broberg Eye Care looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve the best vision possible.