Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions, affecting up to 50% of adults 80 and older. At Focus Refined Eye Care, with offices in The Heights and Montrose neighborhoods of Houston, Texas, general and medical optometrist Bimal Patel, OD, specializes in diagnosing and treating cataracts. Dr. Patel manages and monitors contacts. When needed, he refers patients to surgical specialists for cataract surgery. Call Focus Refined Eye Care to schedule an appointment or book your visit online today. 

Do cataracts cause blurry vision at night?

Yes, they can. A cataract causes the lens of your eye to become cloudy, distorting your vision. For example, it might seem like you’re looking through a frosted or foggy window if you have cataracts. As the clouding worsens, you might have difficulty reading, seeing expressions on people’s faces, and driving (particularly at night). 

Do cataracts present symptoms?

Cataract symptoms include:

• Clouded, blurred, or dim vision
• Poor night vision that gets increasingly worse
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Seeing halos around lights
• Fading or yellowing of colors

Sometimes, cataracts cause double vision in one eye. 

How does an optometrist diagnose cataracts?

At Focus Refined Eye Care, Dr. Patel reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed a change in your vision and if your eyesight is worse at night when driving. Then, he completes a comprehensive eye exam, including:

Visual acuity testing

A visual acuity test assesses your ability to read a series of letters on a chart on the other side of the exam room. Each row of letters on the chart gets progressively smaller, letting Dr. Patel check for visual impairment.

Slit lamp testing

This test lets Dr. Patel view the structures at the front of your eye, like your iris, cornea, and lens. 

Retinal exam

Before a retinal exam, Dr. Patel dilates (widens) your pupils with special eye drops. Then, he uses a device called an ophthalmoscope to examine the lens of your eye for a cataract.

How are cataracts treated?

At Focus Refined Eye Care, Dr. Patel treats cataracts with a conservative and co-managed approach. He works closely with a surgical team to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs. 

Mild cataracts often improve with prescription eyeglasses or contacts, but you might need surgery if your vision loss prevents you from working, reading, or driving.

During cataract surgery, an eye surgeon removes your clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL rests in the same position as your natural lens and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Dr. Patel and the surgical team help you select the best IOL for your needs.

Prior to cataract surgery, you receive a local anesthetic that numbs your eye. The surgeon uses a laser-guided approach that is extremely precise and reduces the risk of infection.

Call Focus Refined Eye Care to explore cataract treatment, or book your visit online today.