Although scientists do not know for certain, exactly what causes cataracts, we are constantly learning more about them. There exist several theories about what causes cataracts. Some believe that smoking or diabetes lend to the cause of cataracts. It could possibly be that the protein in the eyes lens just changes as it ages. Some evidence exists that links cataracts to certain vitamins and minerals. On going research is conducted to better determine whether consuming more vitamins or minerals would help prevent or possible delay the onset of cataracts.

The lens of your eye is mostly made up of water and protein. Protein is arranged to allow light to enter and focus on the retina. For some people the protein clings together and starts to cloud a small part of the lens. This clinging of protein which causes the cloudy vision, is the cataract. Over a period of time, more protein clings together, creating a larger clump, which results in a larger cloud, making it harder to see.

A cataract forms slowly. You may not notice a change in your vision at first. And, because a cataract grows slowly, the change in your vision is gradual, sometimes difficult to detect. This is why it is a prudent decision to have a complete medical eye exam once each year. As a cataract forms, in the early stages, some people experience sudden improvement in their close-up vision;
however, this is only temporary. Typically your vision becomes worse as the cataract grows.

The following photograph is shown here two times. The photo on the right is viewed with normal vision. The photo on the left, has been intentionally augmented to illustrate how the same image would be viewed by a person with cataracts.

The more common symptoms experienced by those with cataracts include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision

• Muted or faded colors

• Double vision, or multiple vision (this symptom fades away as the cataract grows)

• Feeling the need to have a change in your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription

• Light source conflicts, such as: excessive glare from lights, lamps or the sun; auto headlights seem too bright at night; noticing a halo or a haze around light sources

We caution our readers, that these symptoms can also be signs of other eye problems. The best advise is to schedule a complete medical eye exam, to determine if any disease is present.

Complete Medical Eye Examination

This is your best defense in detection eye diseases. The eye exams that are
performed by Sarasota Ophthalmology Associates are comprehensive. Typically,
the eye exam takes about 50 minutes, and is far more comprehensive than those
administered by optometrists. Initial examinations include:

• Visual Acuity Test - measuring how well you see at various distances

• Pupil Dilation - permitting the physician to see more of the retina and look for other eye problems

• Tonometry - measuring the fluid pressure inside the eye

• Other testing to determine the structure and health of each eye