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Some will argue that cataracts are a normal sign of aging. Willoughby Doctors of Optometry feel that cataracts are avoidable and fixable. Our goal is to keep your eyes performing at their best your entire life. For that to happen, prevention must begin now.
Your eyes are outfitted with a natural lens behind the iris. It is transparent, allowing light to pass through. It bends the light to form the image on your retina. As this lens begins to cloud, light cannot pass through it sufficiently to create crisp, bright images. This is known as a cataract. They usually develop in both eyes as you age, but often unevenly.
Know the signs of a developing cataract. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, please visit our office in Langley.
Cataracts are preventable. The best way to keep them from forming is to live a healthy life. Smoking, obesity, alcohol, sun exposure, and high blood pressure all contribute to cataract development.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help support a healthy natural lens. Ensuring you have a high intake of antioxidants can help to maintain the overall health of your eyes. For a more detailed look at what foods can help your eyes stay sharp and clear, please read about it here.
At first, your cataracts will be no more than a nuisance. More light will be required for a number of tasks, especially those that require you to see fine details. As the clouding of your lens progresses, a change in prescription lenses may help you see better. If this doesn’t help you may want to consider lens replacement surgery also known as cataract surgery.
When your cataracts have advanced to the point that you struggle to perform day to day tasks because of decreased eyesight, it may be time for a surgical option. The outpatient surgery takes about 15 minutes per eye. The eyes are done on different days, usually a month apart. Normal activities can be resumed within a week. You may still require glasses afterwards.
Numbing drops are used to ensure the procedure is completely painless. The surgeon uses ultrasound waves to gently break up your natural lens. The pulverized lens is then removed by a very slight suction. A new, artificial intraocular lens is positioned where your old lens used to be. When the surgery is over you will not feel the new lens, just as you do not feel a filling you get in your teeth. The replacement lens will restore your vision and you will never need to be repeated.
We would love to meet you in person.
Drop by our office and say hello. We require 24 hrs notice for cancelled appointments or a reasonable $50 no show fee will apply.
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Sundays | Closed |
