Cataract Treatments,Eye Specialists of Napa Valley,Our Team,Premium Lenses
Cataracts can seem like an inevitable part of aging, but in reality, several factors can influence when and how cataracts develop. While getting older remains the leading cause of cataracts, it’s not the only one. From genetics and sun exposure to lifestyle choices and medical conditions, many variables may contribute to the clouding of your eye’s natural lens. At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, our board-certified ophthalmologists are proud to help patients across Napa, CA and the surrounding area better understand what causes cataracts and how to stay proactive about long-term eye health.
If cataracts are already affecting your vision, we’re here with some of the most advanced premium lens replacement options available today. Keep reading to learn more about cataract causes, treatment options, and tips for healthy vision in the long term.
What do cataracts do?
A cataract forms when proteins in the eye’s natural lens begin to clump together, gradually clouding the lens and interfering with how light passes through. This can cause vision to become blurry, dim, or distorted, which is a development that often progresses slowly over time. Cataracts may affect one or both eyes and are not reversible without surgery.
What are the most common causes of cataracts?
There is no single cause of cataracts, but rather a combination of factors that can increase your risk of getting cataracts. Some of the most common causes of cataracts include:
- Being over age 60
- UV sun exposure
- Medical conditions, like diabetes
- Lifestyle habits, including alcohol and tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Genetics and family history
- Past eye trauma or surgery
Can you prevent cataracts?
Although cataracts cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to help slow their progression. Cataract prevention tips include protecting your eyes from UV light, avoiding smoking, managing chronic conditions like diabetes, and attending regular eye exams. Early detection plays a major role in preserving your vision, especially when symptoms may be subtle or easy to overlook. Still, there are many cases where even with diligent preventive measures cataracts are unavoidable. Fortunately, they can typically be treated to restore clearer vision.
Can you fix cataracts without surgery?
If cataracts are impairing your vision or daily activities, surgery is the only effective treatment. At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, we offer modern cataract removal surgery with a wide selection of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) to help meet your personal goals, including:
- Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) that allows for personalized vision adjustments after surgery for precise results
- Multifocal & EDOF lenses for sharp vision across multiple distances
- Toric lenses to correct astigmatism while replacing the clouded lens
- Accommodative lenses (like Crystalens) that mimic the eye’s natural focusing ability
- PanOptix trifocal IOL for clearer near, intermediate, and distance vision
- AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL for an enhanced range of vision with minimal glare or halos
- RxSight Light Adjustable Lens that can also be revised
Following your thorough consultation and exam, our ophthalmologists will discuss your IOL choices and laser cataract surgery options with you at length to create a customized cataract surgery plan that will be appropriate and effective for you.
Take charge when it comes to your long-term vision with advanced cataract surgery in Napa, CA
If you’re over 60 or have risk factors for cataracts, such as diabetes or prolonged UV exposure, now is the time to check in with your eye health. With today’s diagnostic tools, advanced surgical techniques, and premium lens options available at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, cataracts don’t have to mean your vision is compromised indefinitely. To learn more about laser cataract surgery and premium IOLs for clearer vision, contact us to schedule your consultation for Napa, CA, cataract surgery today.