Cataract Diagnosis & Management in Reno, NV

Cataracts: Prevention, Treatment, & Surgery

Cataracts are the clouding of the natural lens. Cataracts are most often age-related and are common in older individuals. In fact, over half of Americans over the age of 80 have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery.

The clouding of the lens caused by cataracts prevents light from reaching the retina, creating blurry vision, glare, or dullness. They may eventually interfere with your day-to-day activities, like reading or writing. If cataracts start to prevent you from enjoying your life, cataract surgery can treat them. Cataract surgery is common and can help correct vision issues related to cataracts.

Cataract Prevention

There is no surefire way to prevent cataracts. Still, you can help lower your risk of developing them by making some lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses while outdoors, or reducing your alcohol intake. You should also control and manage any health problems you may have, like diabetes, as some diseases can increase your chance of developing cataracts.

A healthy diet rich in Vitamin E and carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, can help prevent cataracts and AMD. Including a range of antioxidants in your diet has shown to decrease the risk of cataracts or slow their progression.

Tests Used to Detect for Cataracts

Cataract testing is done as part of the eye exam process. These tests include:

A Visual Acuity Test:

The optometrist checks your vision with an eye chart. Your eyes are tested one at a time, with you reading the letters or numbers shown to you.

A Slit-lamp Exam:

A tiny slit of light is used to illuminate the structures of your eye. The optometrist can examine the lens for signs of cataracts.

A Retinal Exam:

In this exam, your eyes are dilated using drops, and images are taken using a high-level camera. The drops enlarge your pupils, which allows more light through making it easier to examine your lens. Your pupils will naturally constrict over a few hours.

Cataract Treatment

As your vision deteriorates, there are management strategies available to help you live with cataracts. New glasses or contact prescriptions may help you in the day-to-day tasks that have become more difficult because of cataracts. Anti-glare glasses, magnifying lenses, or stronger light may also help with daily activities like cooking, using your phone, driving, or reading. Surgery is the next step when these methods lose their effectiveness.

Cataract Surgery

If your cataracts have progressed to the extent that they compromise your personal or professional life, then it may be time to consider cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure takes less than an hour and is performed on each eye at separate visits, with about 4 weeks of recovery time in between.

Surgery Process

Before surgery, your eye is numbed using anesthetic eye drops. The ophthalmologist then makes a tiny incision, less than 1/8th of an inch, and removes the clouded natural lens. After the old lens is gone, a new artificial lens is placed.

After surgery, you will rest for a bit in the clinic with the team checking that you are not having any issues with your eye. You will not be able to drive after your surgery, so be sure you bring someone you trust who can take you home.

Most patients only need an eye patch while they sleep for the first week to prevent from being rubbed or scratched. You may be given drops that help with healing, and you may need to avoid some activities like touching your eye, lifting anything heavy, or bending over. You may feel some discomfort in your eye at first, but most people feel better after 1 or 2 days.

How Safe is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is very common, safe, and often successful. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed each year in the US. However, just like any surgery, there are some side effects and risks to watch for:

We can discuss some risks involved with cataract surgery during your appointment if this is a procedure you are considering.

Visit Our Office In Reno

We are located on Reno Corporate Drive off of Longley and Barron Way. From Longley off McCarran, turn east onto Barron Way then south on Reno Corporate Drive. We will be on the right. From Double R heading toward Longley, turn north on Reno Corporate Drive. Proceed on Reno Corporate Drive to the last driveway before Barron Way, and we will be on your left