Cataracts in Wyoming, MI

Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to become blurred, hazy, dim, or increasingly affected by glare. Cataracts usually develop gradually and are especially common with age, although they can also occur after an eye injury, with certain medical conditions, or after long-term use of some medications.

At Restoration Eye Care in Wyoming, MI, Dr. Trevor A. Smith evaluates cataracts for patients throughout the greater Grand Rapids area and West Michigan. A comprehensive eye examination can determine whether cataracts are responsible for your vision changes and whether observation, updated glasses, or cataract surgery is the appropriate next step.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts can affect each person differently. Common symptoms include:

• Blurred, cloudy, or hazy vision
• Increasing glare from headlights or bright lights
• Halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing or driving at night
• Colors appearing faded or less vivid
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
• Double vision in one eye
• Needing brighter light for reading and close work

What Causes Cataracts?

Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but several factors can increase the likelihood that cataracts will develop or progress. These may include diabetes, smoking, significant ultraviolet exposure, previous eye injury or surgery, family history, and prolonged corticosteroid use.

Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop visually significant cataracts. Regular eye examinations allow your ophthalmologist to monitor changes and distinguish cataracts from other conditions that can affect vision.

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

A cataract evaluation typically includes a review of your symptoms and medical history along with a detailed eye examination. Testing may include visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, eye-pressure measurement, pupil dilation, and evaluation of the retina and optic nerve.

These findings help Dr. Smith determine how much the cataract is affecting your vision and whether another eye condition may also be contributing to your symptoms.

When Is Cataract Surgery Recommended?

Early cataracts do not always require surgery. Updated glasses, improved lighting, and other simple adjustments may be enough when vision changes are mild.

Cataract surgery may be recommended when cataracts begin interfering with activities that matter to you, such as reading, driving, working, recognizing faces, or safely navigating at night. During surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL).

Patients may also have several lens choices depending on their eye health and visual goals. Learn more about types of IOLs and premium cataract surgery options.

Cataract Care in Wyoming and Grand Rapids, MI

Restoration Eye Care takes a personalized approach to cataract care. Dr. Smith will review your examination findings, discuss how cataracts are affecting your daily life, and answer questions about timing, lens options, surgery, and recovery.

Schedule a cataract evaluation or call (616) 323-2002 to speak with our team.