Cataract Treatment in Arizona

Cataract patient woman outdoors joy of sight

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts most commonly develop naturally as a part of the aging process. Although, they can also result from exposure to toxic substances, diseases such as diabetes, or physical injury.

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is the principal cause of blindness in the world. In fact, according to Prevent Blindness America (PBA) there are more cases of cataracts worldwide than there are of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined. Today, cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older.  

What Causes Cataracts?

The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.

The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. 

Risk Factors of Cataracts

Besides advancing age, cataract risk factors include:

  • Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources

  • Diabetes

  • Hypertension

  • Obesity

  • Smoking

  • Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications

  • Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol

  • Previous eye injury or inflammation

  • Previous eye surgery

  • Hormone replacement therapy

  • Significant alcohol consumption

  • High myopia

  • Family history

Clear lens versus lens with cataract

Cataract Symptoms and Signs

A cataract starts out small and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting.

Hazy, blurred vision may mean you have a cataract.  A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.

Happy cataract and glaucoma patient older couple on vacation

Cataract Treatment in Arizona

Many people consider poor vision an inevitable fact of aging, but cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision. Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision. The only way to diagnose if you have cataracts, as well as to determine the proper treatment, is to have a comprehensive eye examination. Fortunately, the Doctors of Nationwide Optometry often can correct your cataract-related vision problems with glasses or contacts. However, individuals with advanced cataracts may be advised to consider a cataract procedure.

The procedure involves removing the clouded lens from your eye and replacing it with a transparent intraocular lens (IOL). After the procedure, you can expect a drastic improvement in your vision. If you believe you are a candidate for the procedure, treatment is available at one of our medical centers.

Find a Nationwide Vision Eye Care Center Near You

The trusted team of highly trained Arizona eye doctors at Nationwide Vision focus on maintaining the health of your eyes. We offer comprehensive eye care services including routine eye exams, preventative care, and treatment of complex conditions.

Park 10
Park 10
Goodyear Estrella Parkway
Tempe Rio Salado Pkwy
Yuma
Prescott Valley
Phoenix West Camelback
Mesa Power Rd
Phoenix Lower Buckeye
North Scottsdale
Phoenix Baseline
Glendale West Northern
Tucson Valencia
Tucson Tanque Verde
Tucson Speedway
Tucson Rita Ranch
Tucson Oracle Rd
Tucson North Oracle
Tucson Golf Links Rd
Tucson Campbell Ave
Tucson Broadway Rd
Tucson Marana
Tucson Ajo
Tempe Guadalupe Rd
Surprise Waddell Rd
Surprise Greenway Rd
Sierra Vista
Show Low
San Tan Valley
Queen Creek
Phoenix West McDowell Rd
Phoenix Pediatrics
Phoenix Moon Valley
Phoenix Maryvale
Phoenix Happy Valley
Phoenix Greenway Rd
Phoenix Glendale Rd
Phoenix Bethany Home Rd
Phoenix Arcadia
Camelback Biltmore
Peoria West Olive
Peoria West Bell Rd
Peoria Lake Pleasant
Nogales
Mesa University Dr
Mesa Southern Ave
Mesa Pediatrics
Ahwatukee
Mesa Mountain Vista
Mesa McKellips Rd
Maricopa
Laveen
Lake Havasu
Kingman
Sahuarita
Goodyear Palm Valley
Glendale West Beardsley
Glendale Cactus Rd
Gilbert Williams Field Rd
Gilbert Val Vista Rd
Flagstaff
Gilbert Chandler Heights
Cooley Station
City Gate
Chandler Gilbert Rd
Chandler Alma School Rd
Casa Grande
Bullhead City
Verrado
Buckeye
Apache Junction Idaho Rd.
Anthem