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Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244
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Cloudy, Dull-colored Vision? It Could be Cataracts.

Cloudy, Dull-colored Vision? It Could be Cataracts.

According to the National Eye Institute, there are an estimated 24.4 million Americans over age 40 that have cataracts and this number is expected to grow to 50 million by 2050. Because cataracts are so prevalent, our team at NewView Eye Center works hard year-round to educate older adults about the symptoms of cataracts and the options to correct their vision. We are especially focused on cataract education this time of year because June is Cataract Awareness Month.

What are Cataracts?

Your eyes contain natural proteins that begin to build up on your clear eye lenses, making it increasingly difficult for light to properly enter your eyes. Most people eventually get cataracts, but they can affect your vision differently depending on the amount of protein build up and the location on your eye lenses. Left untreated, cataracts can eventually lead to blindness.

Cataract Symptoms

Cataracts will affect your vision gradually. In fact, the symptoms can go unnoticed if you don’t have regular eye exams. You may not realize how much your eyesight has declined! The symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Hazy/blurry/cloudy vision
  • Glare and starbursts with night driving 
  • Dull appearance of colors
  • Vision takes on a yellowish/brownish tint 
  • Eye sensitivity in bright light

In more advanced stages, the pupil may have a milky or yellowish spot that is visible to others.

Vision Constantly Changes

Your vision is constantly changing! Even if you’ve had excellent vision in the past, you can still get cataracts. People often assume they will have to live with inferior vision as they grow older, but this is not the case when it comes to cataracts.

Cataract Surgery is the Solution

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in ophthalmology. It’s a very effective way to remove the cloudy eye lens and replace it with an artificial lens that will remain cataract-free. Cataract surgery is an amazingly quick outpatient procedure that Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths performs often. 

In addition to traditional cataract surgery, Dr. Griffiths also offers laser-assisted cataract surgery in Reston, VA, using LENSAR® technology. LENSAR is one of the most cutting-edge ways to eliminate cataracts and restore clear vision. The process uses a laser to make a small incision on the cornea and gently break up the cataract lens so it can be removed from the eye. This bladeless cataract surgery procedure is comfortable, customized to each eye’s unique anatomy and ultra-precise. Once the natural lens is removed, a replacement intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted. As mentioned earlier, this new lens will never develop cataracts in the future.

Which Replacement Lens is Right for You?

Advances in cataract surgery technology has made this procedure truly life-changing. In the past, cataract patients only had one option when it came to the type of Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) that was inserted into their eyes: monofocal lenses. While these are still widely used today, they do not correct astigmatism; they can only provide clear vision for distance or up-close vision. With this lens choice, Patients often still need to wear glasses after surgery.

Today, you have many lens options! There are many different types of Lifestyle Lenses that can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses after surgery – even reading glasses. During Cataract Evaluations at NewView Eye Center, Dr. Griffiths and her team will explain the different options that exist including:

  • Multifocal IOLs: multiple focusing points to allow for distance and up-close vision
  • Trifocal IOLs: multiple focusing points to allow for distance, intermediate and up-close vision
  • Extended Depth of Focus IOLs: continuous range of high-quality vision in intermediate and distance ranges
  • Toric IOLs: correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness  

We can help you determine which type of lens is right for your vision goals, hobbies, lifestyle, eye health and budget.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts in Virginia, make 2022 the summer you get proactive with your eye health. Even if you aren’t noticing any vision changes, schedule an eye exam! Don’t risk losing your eyesight. Schedule an eye exam or Cataract Evaluation at NewView Eye Center: call (703) 834-9777 or visit www.NewViewLaserEye.com to request an appointment.