As we age, our eyes undergo natural wear and tear, resulting in the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This clouding is known as cataracts and is a normal part of the aging process. If we live long enough, we will all develop cataracts at some point in our lives. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 65 and older have cataracts. However, cataracts sometimes develop as the result of trauma.
Your Annapolis Eye Doctor explains Traumatic Cataracts
Traumatic cataracts occur as a result of blunt or penetrating ocular trauma, electric shock, chemical burns, or ionizing radiation.
An Electrician Develops Traumatic Cataracts following an Electric Shock
When an unidentified 42-year-old electrician was shocked by 14,000 volts of electricity, something truly unique happened. Four weeks after the incident, the man sought medical attention when he noticed vision loss. The electrician developed star-shaped cataracts as a result of the electric shock. Doctors theorized that “shock-waves” caused the unusual pattern.
The electrician regained his sight following cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and, in most cases, replacing it with a clear, intraocular lens implant (IOL). Cataract surgery is a painless outpatient procedure and has the highest success rate of any surgery practiced today. Most patients can resume their normal, everyday function in very little time and can even drive a few days after surgery.
- Blurry sight, and occasionally, double vision
- ‘Halos’ — the eyes become dazzled by bright light, making night driving difficult
- Colors may become faded
- Eyeglasses prescription changes frequently
If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your Annapolis eye doctor as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Cataract Treatment from your Annapolis Eye Doctor
Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts treatment, board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, your Annapolis eye doctor, has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or seeking surgical treatment, both of our state-of-the-art treatment center can meet all your eye care needs.
If you have any questions about Traumatic Cataracts or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
Sources:
Shock Leaves Man With Star-Shaped Cataracts ABC News
Cataracts and your Eyes WebMD
Traumatic Cataracts Medscape