At Brinton Family Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing and managing cataracts, a common age-related condition that causes clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts can gradually impair vision, making it difficult to see clearly, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Dr. Yantorni offers personalized care to help you understand your options and maintain clear vision as cataracts develop.
A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. While cataracts are typically a part of the natural aging process, they can also be caused by other factors such as injury, certain medications, or underlying health conditions like diabetes. In the early stages, cataracts may not cause significant symptoms, but as they progress, they can affect your daily activities, such as driving, reading, and seeing in low-light environments.
A cataract exam at Brinton Family Eye Care is designed to assess the clarity of your lens and evaluate any changes to your vision. Dr. Yantorni will use a variety of tests to determine the extent of the cataract and its impact on your vision. Here’s what you can expect during your cataract exam:
Visual Acuity Test: A standard eye exam to check how clearly you can see at various distances.
Slit Lamp Examination: This allows Dr. Yantorni to examine the front of your eye, including your cornea, iris, and lens, for signs of cataract formation.
Dilated Eye Exam: Dr. Yantorni will dilate your pupils to get a better view of your retina and the lens inside your eye.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): This may be used to assess the health of the retina and check for any other underlying eye conditions.
While cataracts can’t be reversed, they can be effectively managed. In the early stages, stronger eyeglasses or magnifying lenses may help manage symptoms. However, once cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities, surgery is the only effective treatment option. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (IOL). There are different types of IOLs available to suit your needs, including:
Monofocal IOLs: Provide clear vision at a single distance (usually for distance vision).
Multifocal IOLs: Offer clear vision at multiple distances, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses.
Accommodating IOLs: These lenses change shape as you focus, providing more natural vision.
Toric IOLs: Designed for patients with astigmatism, these lenses help correct both the cataract and astigmatism.
At Brinton Family Eye Care in Indian Land, SC, Dr. Yantorni provides expert care and guidance in the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. We take the time to understand your lifestyle and vision needs to recommend the best treatment option for you. If surgery is needed, we’ll ensure you feel confident and well-informed every step of the way, helping you restore your vision and improve your quality of life.