Cataracts Explained Simply - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Cataracts in your eyes are when a clear structure within the eye (called the crystalline lens) begins to change and become opaque. The symptoms of cataracts often include blurred vision and glare. What causes cataract in your eyes is multifactorial, including genetics and environmental factors. However, the most common type of cataract formation is termed an "age related cataract" as they often occur with age. Treatment for cataracts is primarily through cataract surgery, where a surgeon breaks up the cataract within the eye, removes it and then replaces the cataract with a plastic lens implant.

In this video, I go over
0:00 - Cataracts Explained Simply
0:33 - Intro and Cataracts Playlist
1:01 - What are cataracts?
1:48 - What cataracts look like
2:20 - Cataract Symptoms
4:12 - What Causes Cataracts
5:42 - Treatment for cataracts
6:58 - When do you need cataract surgery?

Tips for cataract surgery: (Coming soon)
Cataract surgery implant options: (coming soon)

✅ Recommended playlists:
Do you have dry eyes? Learn about the different types of dry eye disease and treatment options.

Do you have eye floaters? Learn what they are and the treatment options available here:

💡 Videos for frequently asked questions:
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About This Video:
In this video Joseph J. Allen, OD, FAAO, Diplo ABO, discusses cataracts in your eyes, the symptoms they cause and cataract surgery. If you are researching the symptoms of cataracts in eyes, we will go over how they cause blurred vision as well as glare. What causes cataracts in your eyes is complex and multifactorial, but we do review some of the major players and ways to prevent cataracts. Cataract treatment involves having cataract surgery, which is largely a safe and efficient procedure. In this video briefly review cataract surgery as we will go more in depth on that subject in the next videos in the series.

#cataracts #eyedisease #doctoreyehealth

[billpotter]

I had the surgery yesterday and was AMAZED at how painless it was! Also my vision is so clear now.

[burnoutbambi]

I'm 17 and always thought I had an astigmatism because of how lights looked especially at night, but when I went to the eye doctor he told me that I had 20/15 vision and cataracts! He said they're very small and probably won't get bigger, but it was a very surprising discovery!

[sjzara]

I had cataract surgery in one eye a few years ago after the vision in that eye became clouded. It was excellent - virtually painless and with an instant improvement in vision. I can recommend it.

[princessmissy]

I had posterior polar cataracts, a rare kind that were pressing on my retinas and posterior capsule. A tear was a very real possibility, so my optometrist immediately called one of the top 2 ophthalmology surgeons in my area. He saw me right away and scheduled surgery. I was amazed at how quick and painless the operations were (not done at the same time)! When I went back to work the next day, I saw a fine pattern in wallpaper that had previously looked plain. I saw a painting that had looked very dull and drab; now it was full of bright red, rust and brown colors.I just could not get over what I saw now without the cataracts!

[bjmcfarland]

I just got over the shingles and had another eye appointment today.
The eye doctor said that he saw the formation of a cataract.
I didn't have a nice day after that; I'm very worried about the whole situation.
Thank you for your help

[Kat-trig]

In October 2022 I found out that I had severe cataracts, at the age of 43. My sister, dad and grandma also had cataracts in their early 40s. I got my right eye operated in January 2023 and my left eye three weeks later, and it has literally changed my life. Before the surgery I was barely functionable, and even needed my 12 year old daughter to guide me when out walking. If anyone is doubting about getting the surgery, don't. The operation was painless and lasted 15 minutes, and the results are amazing.

[Realtruth]

I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes. I decided not to do have surgery after hearing the side effects from the nurse. Two of my friends recently had it done and they can see very well. Your video helped to relieve me of fear so I'm reconsidering going through with the surgery. Thank you for your timely video!😊

[nealeburgess]

Surprisingly, for me the most informative part of this video was the bit about water falls! I was already familiar with what causes cataracts and their treatment. I am 67 years old, and have noticed difficulty when driving into a setting sun (or less often a sunrise!). So I have decided to get an eye doctor to check me out.
Thank you for your interesting presentations. I find the mechanics of vision and refraction very interesting. The more one learns about the eyes and how they work the more amazing it becomes. One thing that makes my mind boggle is how the eyes coordinate with each other. For example, if you look at an object, then tilt your head to one side, one eye has to move upwards and the other downwards to maintain fixation on the object. Yet they do it without us even thinking about it. Incredible.

[surfrunnerd]

The most helpful part is the discussion of when to have the surgery. I waited a little too late because I have only one good eye. My cataract was very dense. My doctor used laser in the surgery as she said that involved less risk. Now I see great 20-30 at a distance without glasses. I use reading glasses for close up. I did get a new set of bifocals for when I want to see 20-20 at a distance.

[anonymouswatcher]

Nice content I just had my cataract surgery on both eye last month and it's even better I don't need glasses anymore

[eyelidman]

Clear, concise and reliably explained by an Opthalmic professional. Many thanks, as always.🙏🌞👀🤩🇬🇧🙏

[LauraCordes]

Im 48 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with cateracts of both my eyes. My mother had cataract surgery when she was about 5 years older than I am now, and she had tremendous success with her surgery. I inherited severe myopia from her, and she has been wearing very slim glasses for the past 25+ years since her surgery, along with sunglasses for photosensitivity. She has been very supportive of me and my diagnosis, and hopes that I will qualify for eye surgery soon, because it changed her vision for the better and believes I will have the same transformation. I'm pretty nervous about the inevitable surgery, but if I can see even better than I ever could, I think I'm ready to take the chance.

[tonyyetman]

As someone recently diagnosed with cataracts, I found this video extremely informative and look forward to the rest of the series as I evaluate my options.

[trcline]

Honestly? The entire video was fantastic, so it's extremely hard to say which part I enjoyed most. (Although I did enjoy hearing about the waterfall comparison) I'm 25, and I just had my one week post-op appointment following cataract removal from my right eye. So far everything is healing nicely, and I was told to go ahead and schedule my appointment to have the left eye operated on, which is currently booking out into July.

[wbemt]

Hi..I just found your channel. Last Saturday I experienced a PVD evidenced by multiple floaters and the sensation that pepper was being sprinkled in front of my eyes! I went on Easter Sunday for an emergency eval at a major NYC eye hospital and was diagnosed with a retinal tear. Laser surgery was performed preventing a detachment as there was already considerable vitreous fluid under the tear. I came home to find your videos on You-Tube. Wow!! They are awesome. I just wanted to extend a huge thank you for the outstanding public service your videos are providing. I have been binge watching them and your presentations are not only informative but entertaining. I have been recommending them to my friends and colleagues. Also based on your cataract video I will more attentive to wearing sunglasses! Thank you so so much and stay safe..Warren B in NJ

[amandaallsopp]

I had surgery in both eyes two years ago. Mine were caused by medication due to repeated corneal ulcers and one developed very quickly, to the point that I couldn’t see at all out of that eye. Both procedures were very quick and I had no problems - I followed the post-op procedures to the letter. My lenses were mono vision - one for reading and one for distance. I still wear one contact for reading occasionally for fine detail but not always necessary. Excellent video as always.

[samcaudill]

I appreciate your candid and objectivity of the procedure without pushing the surgery prematurely which I feel happens more often than not. Thank you. I follow you religiously and refer your channel often!

[lizdowdy]

I’m having cataract surgery in July so this series is timed perfectly.

[DK-tsbd]

How would a cataract increase risk for glaucoma? Good info and will be watching for explanation of lens options! Thank you !

[Trinapchr]

I was diagnosed this year with cataracts in both eyes. I am 51. I also have dry eye, ocular rosacea, high myopia, and bilateral PVD! A year ago I started experiencing all of these symptoms. I have had myopia since I was a child though. I thought I was going blind. It’s really scary! I have a consultation with a cataract surgeon next month and it was suggested I get the LAL. I am using the serum tears for Dry eyes and hoping they help. I have read about the pain after surgery if the dry eye is not under control. Thank you so much for these videos, they really help me to understand.