Cataracts, Comprehensive Eye Care
As the seasons change, it’s a good reminder to take care of yourself—inside and out. Just like you might prepare your home for winter or tune up your car before a road trip, it’s just as important to check in on your vision.
At Southwest Eye Care, we believe the best way to protect your sight is simple: schedule a yearly eye exam. Even if you’re seeing well and don’t notice any problems, your eyes could be changing in ways you can’t feel yet. That’s especially true when it comes to cataracts.
Why Annual Eye Exams Matter
Your annual eye exam does much more than check your prescription. It gives your doctor a close look at your overall eye health—helping spot early signs of changes before they affect your vision.
Cataracts, for example, develop slowly over time as the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Many people don’t realize anything is wrong until their sight has already started to blur or dim. By catching cataracts early, your doctor can monitor them and guide you on the best next steps to keep your vision sharp.
Cataracts 101: What You Should Know
Think of the lens in your eye like the lens of a camera—it helps focus light so you can see clearly. Over time, the proteins in that lens can clump together, making part of it cloudy. That cloudy area is what we call a cataract.
When cataracts form, you may notice:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Colors that look faded or yellow
- Trouble seeing at night or in bright sunlight
- Halos around lights
- Needing to change your glasses more often
Most cataracts develop as we age, usually starting around 40 and becoming more noticeable after 60. But they can also show up sooner if you have diabetes, smoke, or have had an eye injury.
Want to Learn More About Cataracts?
Dr. Jabin Krassin explains cataracts in simple terms and walks you through how they’re diagnosed and treated. Meet Dr. Krassin and learn about his cataract care.
How an Eye Exam Can Catch Cataracts Early
During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor uses special lights and magnifiers to look inside your eyes and check the lens for any early cloudiness. These tools allow us to see the start of a cataract long before it causes noticeable symptoms.
That’s why yearly exams are so important—they give your doctor a chance to track any changes over time and make sure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable.
Clear Vision Is Closer Than You Think
If a cataract eventually starts to interfere with your daily life—like reading, driving, or recognizing faces—cataract surgery can restore your clear vision. The procedure is quick, safe, and done on an outpatient basis. Your cloudy lens is replaced with a clear, artificial one that helps you see clearly again.
Most patients notice a big improvement in their vision soon after surgery and are amazed at how bright and colorful the world looks again.
Take the First Step Toward Healthy Vision
You only get one pair of eyes—so make sure you’re taking care of them. Regular eye exams are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your sight for years to come.
Schedule your next eye exam with Southwest Eye Care today. We’ll help you see clearly and confidently through every stage of life.
