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Cataracts

Optometry located in Washington Heights, New York, NY

Cataracts

Cataracts services offered in Washington Heights, New York, NY


Cataracts are a common consequence of aging that affects your eye health. If cloudy eyes reduce the clarity of your vision, you can find help at VistaSite Vision Center. Tatsiana Palavets, OD, provides complete eye exams to assess the severity of your cataracts. Customized treatment plans to manage cataracts are available, as are referrals for surgery when your condition worsens. Call the office in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, to schedule a cataract evaluation, or book an appointment online today. 

What are cataracts?

Cataracts cause cloudiness in the lenses of your eyes. The condition develops when protein deposits build up on your lenses. The deposits can gradually worsen over time and cloud up most of the lens, causing your vision to look hazy or distorted.

You may be at an increased risk for cataracts as you get older, especially as you reach your 40s and 50s and the lenses of your eyes become less flexible. By your 60s, cataracts can cause hazy, blurred vision issues that are severe enough to need medical attention. 

Other causes of cataracts include:

  • Trauma
  • Eye surgery
  • Chronic diseases like diabetes
  • Use of steroids and other medications

Some babies are born with cataracts, which aren’t noticeable until the child grows older and experiences vision issues.

When should I seek treatment for cataracts?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at VistaSite Vision Center if you have bothersome cataract symptoms like:

  • Double vision
  • Clouded vision
  • Difficulties seeing at night
  • Increased light sensitivity

Without treatment, cataracts can progressively worsen and lead to blindness.

The VistaSite Vision Center providers offer comprehensive eye exams to assess the severity of your cataracts and determine which treatments are right for you.

How are cataracts treated?

In the early stages of cataracts, you may not need treatment. Your provider can customize a cataract management plan to support your vision and eye health. That may include changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription. They continue to monitor your vision through routine eye exams.

As cataracts worsen your vision, you may be a candidate for surgery. During a cataract procedure, a surgeon removes your clouded lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens to restore clear vision.

VistaSite Vision Center provides comprehensive after-care services following surgery to monitor any changes in your vision or eye health.

How can I prevent cataracts?

While there’s no guarantee that you can prevent cataracts from developing, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for the condition.

If you smoke, VistaSite Vision Center can give you resources to help you quit for good. You should also follow up with your family doctor to ensure chronic medical conditions like diabetes are well-controlled.

Eating a healthy diet is also important for cataract prevention. Opt for colorful vegetables and fruits that contain essential vitamins and minerals to support your eye health. Get plenty of exercise, and be sure to wear sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors.

Call VistaSite Vision Center to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for cataracts or book an appointment online today.