Cataracts in Pasadena, CA

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition that can gradually lead to blurry vision and glare. At Linden Optometry, we provide cataract evaluations in Pasadena, CA, to identify changes in the natural lens of the eye, monitor cataract progression, and help patients understand when additional consultation and treatment may be necessary.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract develops when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. The lens helps focus light onto the retina so you can see clearly. As clouding increases due to protein structure changes and normal aging, vision may become blurry, hazy, or less vibrant.

Cataracts most often develop with age, but factors such as diabetes, genetics, smoking, certain medications, and prolonged UV exposure may also contribute to the rate of progression and severity. Cataracts for the most part progress gradually, which means some patients may not immediately recognize how much their vision has changed.

Common Signs of Cataracts

Patients may notice subtle cataract symptoms developing slowly over time, including:

• Blurry, cloudy, or hazy vision

• Increased sensitivity to glare or bright lights, during day and night times

• Halos around lights, especially at night

• Difficulty driving at night

• Colors appearing faded or less vibrant

• Frequent changes to an eyeglass prescription

• Needing brighter light for reading or close work

Because these symptoms can also occur with other eye conditions, an eye exam in Pasadena is important for determining the cause.

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

During a cataract evaluation at our Pasadena office, we assess your vision and overall eye health to determine whether cataracts are affecting your eyesight. We can evaluate the severity of lens clouding, discuss how your symptoms are affecting daily activities, and monitor changes over time. Regular eye exams become especially important as you get older because cataracts and other age-related eye conditions can develop even when noticeable symptoms are limited.

When Is Cataract Surgery Needed?

Having cataracts does not automatically mean you need immediate surgery. In earlier stages, updated prescription lenses and adjustments to lighting may help you see more comfortably. Your cataracts can then be monitored during routine visits.

When cataracts become uncorrectable with glasses prescription and begin interfering with activities such as reading, driving, working, or recognizing faces, cataract surgery may be recommended and necessary to regain clear vision. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL, by an ophthalmologist.

Cataract Surgery Co-Management in Pasadena

Linden Optometry also provides cataract surgery co-management for patients who need surgical treatment. We can assist with pre-operative evaluations and coordinate care with the ophthalmologist performing your surgery. After the procedure, follow-up visits allow us to monitor healing, evaluate your vision, and address your ongoing eye care needs. This collaborative approach helps provide continuity of care before and after cataract surgery.

If you are experiencing cloudy vision, increased glare, difficulty seeing at night, or have already been diagnosed with cataracts, schedule an evaluation with Linden Optometry to discuss personalized cataract care in Pasadena, CA.

Linden Optometry, A P.C.
477 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 796-1191