Cataract Co-Management in Apex and Zebulon, NC

Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss and/or disturbance in adults over the approximate age of 60. According to the National Eye Institute, the number of people in the U.S. with cataracts is expected to double from 24.4 million to about 50 million by 2050.

In a growing community where cataracts are becoming more common, the experienced optometrists at NC Eye Associates are committed to providing comprehensive examinations. Our eye doctors will identify cataracts and make the appropriate recommendations to best suit the patient’s lifestyle post-surgically.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding and discoloration of the intraocular lens inside the eye that that results in symptoms of glare and vision loss. Most cataracts are age related, however, they can arise from trauma, use of certain medications, diabetes and more. Cataracts aren’t painful. The first symptom most patients recognize is glare while driving at night.

Types of cataracts include:

Nuclear Sclerosis

This is the most common type of cataract. Nuclear sclerotic cataracts develop in the central zone of the intraocular lens secondary to aging. Early stages are represented by a tell tale yellowing to the lens and a more brunescent color in advanced cases.

Cortical Cataract

Patients with diabetes are at higher risk for developing cortical cataracts, which appear as white, wedge-like opacities similar to spokes on a bicycle wheel.

Subcapsular Cataract

This type of cataract affects the back of the lens, which causes more severe light sensitivity and typically progresses much faster. Patients with diabetes or patients who take high doses of steroids are at higher risk for subcapsular cataracts.

Cataract Symptoms

Symptoms from cataracts typically develop slowly as the cataracts themselves develop. Symptoms that arise suddenly are typically not associated with cataracts.

Below are a few signs that you might have a cataract:

• Blurred or cloudy vision
• Decreased night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Faded colors
• Halos around lights

Treatment for a Cataract

The optometrists at NC Eye Associates provide primary vision care services, including comprehensive exams for identification and subsequent evaluations as the cataracts progress. If you do have a cataract, we work closely with your refractive surgeon to schedule the removal of the cataract and chose the appropriate implant for your lifestyle.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a simple, 10-15 min outpatient procedure performed one eye at a time approximately 3 weeks apart. Patients typically report clearer vision within a few hours of removal.

Current advancements in cataract surgery allow patients many options during surgery to enhance outcomes. Some of those options include multifocal lens implants to correct vision at distance and near and bladeless surgery performed with a femtosecond laser.

After your cataract surgery, you will see your optometrist at NC Eye Associates for post-operative care during the short period while the eye is healing.

Cataract Eye Care in Apex and Zebulon, NC

Time is of the essence when it comes to cataracts, as they continually progress and slowly affect patients’ quality of vision. If you are experiencing blurred vision or any of the other symptoms listed here, contact our Apex or Zebulon location to schedule an exam.