Diagnosing and Treating Cataracts

Has your vision become foggy or decreased over time? If you live in the Greater Sacramento area and your eyesight is diminishing with age, Stephen Wilmarth, M.D., will examine your eyes for potential problems such as cataracts.

Evaluating Your Eye Health

Cataracts are caused by aging of the proteins that make up the lens of the eye. If you’re experiencing gradual vision impairment as you get older, it’s important to visit you eye care provider for a full examination.

Common symptoms associated with the development of cataracts includes:

• Blurry or clouded vision in the distance and near.

• Increasing nearsightedness (myopia) as the distance becomes blurry.

• Diminished night vision, especially when driving

• Light sensitivity (photophobia)

• Ghost images

Testing for Cataracts

After reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms, Dr. Wilmarth will perform an examination and tests to determine if cataracts are present and the degree to which they interfere with your vision. Some of the most common methods of diagnosis include:

• Visual acuity test

• Checking your current prescription for glasses and contact lenses.

• Biomicroscopic examination of the lens in your eye.

• Dilation of the pupil and examination of the retina, macula and optic nerve.

Depending on the initial results, Dr. Wilmarth might conduct additional tests such as glare testing and ocular coherence tomography imaging of the macula and optic nerve.

Treating Cataracts

If Dr. Wilmarth finds that cataracts are negatively affecting your vision, he can provide recommendations for treatment and selection of a new intraocular. The cataract may be removed with laser or manual cataract surgery. Options for a new intraocular lens will be discusses. Depending on the health of your eye and your personal preference, you may have surgery that will leave you:

• Glasses free for distance and near or

• Glasses free in the distance with reading glasses for near or

• Progressive or bifocal glasses for distance and near.

Dr. Wilmarth is one of the most experienced cataract surgeons in the Sacramento area with more than 40 years of experience. He will work closely with you throughout each step of your treatment to make sure you receive the best eye care and surgical results.

To find out more about diagnostic and treatment options for cataracts, please contact Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center or call 916-850-3060 today to schedule your initial appointment. Dr. Wilmarth serves patients in or around Sacramento, California.