Cataract Awareness Month: What You Need To Know About Cataracts
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June marks Cataract Awareness Month, a fitting reminder as summer begins and we spend more time under the sun's rays. Many people are surprised to learn that UV ray exposure is one of the primary risk factors for cataracts — along with age — making this month an ideal time to check in on your eye health.
At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, our team of board-certified ophthalmologists is dedicated to helping patients in Napa, CA and throughout Napa Valley understand what to know about cataracts and explore their advanced treatment options for clearer vision and confidence.
How does sun exposure cause cataracts?
While age is the most common cause of cataract development, ultraviolet (UV) light plays a significant role in speeding up lens clouding over time. For this reason, wearing sunglasses with UV protection is one of the most important preventive health measures you can take to protect your eyes from cumulative sun damage.
How are cataracts detected early?
Many people don't realize they're developing cataracts until their vision becomes noticeably blurred or dim. At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, our team uses a series of simple, quick, and comfortable tests to diagnose cataracts early, including:
- Routine visual acuity tests
- Contrast sensitivity testing to check how well you see subtle shades
- Slit-lamp exams to inspect the eye's outer structures
- Retinal exams to evaluate the back of the eye
- Potential acuity (PAM) tests to measure possible vision improvement after cataract removal
These tests can allow us to spot cataracts in their early stages, when symptoms may not yet be obvious to you.
How are cataracts treated?
If a cataract is affecting your vision, cataract surgery is usually the most appropriate choice. This widely performed procedure involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, our team offers a comprehensive range of premium IOLs to suit your vision goals, including:
- Light Adjustable Lens (LALs) that can be adjusted after surgery for personalized vision correction
- Multifocal & Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses to improve vision at near, intermediate, and far distances
- Toric lenses to correct astigmatism while addressing cataracts
- Accommodative lenses (such as Crystalens) that shift focus naturally for multiple distances
- PanOptix trifocal IOL for clearer near, intermediate, and distance vision
- AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL that offers enhanced distance and intermediate vision with functional near vision
Our team also provides innovative solutions like the RxSight Light Adjustable Lens. With this lens, patients can achieve even more successful outcomes through adjustments made after the initial healing process, ensuring highly customized vision correction.
Additionally, we offer YAG laser capsulotomy for patients who experience posterior capsular opacification after surgery, restoring clear vision quickly and comfortably.
Why is Cataract Awareness Month important for your health?
Cataract Awareness Month in June is a fantastic time to ensure you are familiar with how to recognize the symptoms of cataracts early and explore treatment options before vision loss affects daily life. Some of the early signs of cataracts to watch for include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Increased glare from lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appearing faded
If you notice these changes in vision caused by cataracts, don't hesitate to schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists so that you can start the process of regaining the clearer vision, independence, and confidence you deserve.
See clearly this summer and beyond with cataract care in Napa, CA
At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, our team is here to guide you through cataract diagnosis, treatment, and lens selection with personalized care. Take advantage of Cataract Awareness Month by protecting your vision for the seasons ahead. Contact us today to schedule your cataract evaluation in Napa, CA, and learn how advanced premium lenses can transform the way you see the world.