Cataracts is an eye disease that is common among elderly people. It is when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens is the clear outer part of the eye and once it becomes cloudy it impairs the ability to let light in and focus. Images become blurry. In addition to the cloudy spots, some people experience a blown or yellow tint to everything because their natural lens has stained over time.

Causes of cataracts vary. What happens is that the proteins on the lens, which are designed to allow light it, get stuck together and form clouds that block vision and prevent light from getting in. This can occur because of:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Trauma
• Sun exposure
• Radiation
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption

Symptoms of cataracts are blurry or faded vision, halos, double vision, and compromised night vision. It’s vital to see an eye doctor immediately if these symptoms occur. The easiest fix for the problem is to update or start wearing glasses or contact lenses.

The other treatment option, of course, is surgery. The original lens is simply replaced with an artificial one to restore vision. Recent changes in technology make eye surgery a common and low risk option. The rate of vision recovery is very high and though the surgery does come with risks, they are minimal.

Cataracts isn’t a given with aging. Preventative methods can preserve your lens so it holds up over time. This includes simple things like consuming antioxidants and wearing sun glasses to avoid overexposure.

When you open your eyes, you expect to see a single image. Despite the fact that this may be what you expect, there may come a time when this is not the case. Double vision is a problem that many people have to deal with.

If you are experiencing double vision, the first thing you need to do is visit your optometrist. This will help you better understand what you are dealing with, while also pinpointing the cause.

Here are some of the more common causes of double vision:

• Lens problems such as cataracts
• Muscle problems, including graves disease
• Nerve problems, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Brain problems including migraine headaches, tumors, strokes, and aneurysms

It can be very challenging to live with double vision, being that you are unable to see clearly. On top of this, seeing double can lead to other issues such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

If your eye doctor is unable to diagnose the cause, you may need to see a specialist. For example, an MRI of your brain could help pinpoint the cause.

The type of treatment you receive for double vision is based largely on the cause. As you can imagine, the way you treat a migraine headache is not the same as the treatment for cataracts.

Double vision is a serious problem, but it can be treated in most cases. If you experience this, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for the near future. This will allow you to pin down the cause and start with the appropriate treatment.

Did you know there are many types of cataracts that can impact your vision? While you may not know the first thing about this eye disease, the more you learn the easier it becomes to understand how so many have been affected by this in the past.

There are four primary types of cataracts, including:

• Age related cataracts: this type of cataract begins to develop as you age.
• Congenital cataracts: a baby can be born with this type of cataract due in part to poor development, injury, and/or infection.
• Secondary cataracts: these cataracts are a result of other medical conditions, such as exposure to toxic substances, diabetes, or radiation.
• Traumatic cataracts: as the name suggests, these form as a result of an eye injury.

To you, all four types of cataracts may appear to be the same. However, your eye doctor will be able to pinpoint the issue and then give you a better idea of how to move forward with treatment.

The sooner cataracts are detected the easier it is to treat the problem. Many people believe that this eye disease always causes blindness, but this is not the case. In fact, it is treatable in most instances.

As long as you see your optometrist once a year, you should be able to protect against cataracts. If your doctor has reason to believe this could be a concern for you, he or she will keep a close watch on the problem.

When you are aware of the many types of cataracts it is easier to protect against and treat this common eye disease.

Although you may have a strong interest in laser eye surgery, this is not something you should take lightly. There is no denying the fact that many people have change their lives for the better by undergoing this surgery, however, there are questions that need to be answered:

• Do I qualify for laser eye surgery?
• What are the benefits of this procedure for somebody in my position?
• How much does it cost?
• What are the side effects and risks?
• Is there a doctor in my area that is known for providing high quality results?

The first thing you need to do is consult with a qualified laser eye surgeon. This will give you a better idea of whether you qualify for the surgery, while also giving you the chance to ask any questions that are on your mind.

As you move forward, you have to weigh the pros and cons. This way you are not surprised with anything you are faced with. There is going to be pain and discomfort associated with this surgery, but the benefits typically outweigh any drawbacks.

What about the cost of laser eye surgery? This is one of the main things holding patients back. Your insurance will not likely cover the cost of this procedure, so you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket.

Deciding if laser eye surgery is right for you starts with contacting a doctor. From there, you can list the pros and cons and consider the cost of moving forward.

Those who have never experienced eye related issues in the past often times get lazy when it comes to visiting their optometrist at least once a year. There are many common eye diseases that can set in at any time, so it would be in your best interest to learn as much as possible about these and to protect yourself in any way possible.

Here are several common eye diseases that have impacted millions of people throughout the world:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration

There is a good chance that you don’t know the first thing about any of these eye diseases. While you may not have professional level knowledge, it is always good to learn as much as you can about the many diseases that have plagued others.

If you regularly visit an experienced optometrist, you can expect that any issue with your eyes, including the three diseases listed above, will be detected before the problem becomes too serious. In turn, your doctor can suggest a course of action to ensure that you don’t face any additional issues.

The best way to protect yourself against these common eye diseases is to visit your eye doctor at least once a year, and to take care of your own health in between check ups. And of course, if you experience any pain or loss of vision, you should get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.

These eye diseases may be common, but they don’t have to negatively impact your life.