Lincoln Square Eyecare

Mariam Ethezaz, OD

Eye Care located in Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL

Cataracts can give you hazy vision, and they only grow worse over time. It’s essential to get cataract diagnosis and care quickly, and that’s why Lincoln Square Eyecare optometrist Mariam Ethezaz, OD, is here to support you. Residents of Ravenswood and Lincoln Square in Chicago count on Dr. Ethezaz for expert cataract diagnosis, monitoring, and recommendations. Book online or by phone for an evaluation.


773-801-3757

Cataracts Q & A

What are cataracts?

Cataracts result when natural proteins within your eye lens start to stick together in clumps. This causes hazy or clouded vision. Cataracts usually start small, and might not cause vision issues at first. They usually grow gradually. Eventually, your eye lens can grow so cloudy that it looks milky white. Cataracts can cause total vision loss if not treated promptly.


What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataract symptoms can begin before the eye lens has a cloudy appearance. You may experience:

  • Blurry vision
  • Faded color vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Increased light sensitivity
  • Poor vision at night
  • Frequent prescription changes

If you experience these problems, see Dr. Ethezaz for an evaluation as soon as possible. Dr. Ethezaz also checks for cataracts during your regular eye exams.


Why do I have cataracts?

There are many different reasons for cataracts. Most cataracts are due to age-related changes within your eye lenses. These changes usually begin around age 40-50, although the obvious symptoms might not start until you're in your 60s.

Some risk factors increase your chance of developing cataracts, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Eye trauma
  • Obesity
  • Excess UV exposure

If you’re at risk for cataracts, but don’t have any symptoms, Dr. Ethezaz may recommend some lifestyle changes, such as increasing your sun protection, taking daily supplements, or working with your medical doctor to lose weight.


How are cataracts treated?

If Dr. Ethezaz discovers a cataract during your eye exam, she carefully evaluates how the cataract is affecting your vision. She will closely monitor the cataract growth in the future and will prescribe any changes that can help.

Many cataract sufferers need more frequent prescription updates than they did previously. Consequently, it's important to keep up with your annual (or more often, if recommended) eye exams. Wearing the ideal vision correction, whether contact lenses or eyeglasses, can be very effective in managing the early symptoms of cataracts.

As your cataracts grow, they may need surgical removal followed by an intraocular lens implant (IOL). If that’s the case, Dr. Ethezaz refers you to a local ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical physicians who perform advanced eye surgery to remove your cataracts and place IOLs to restore your vision

Use the online scheduler or call Lincoln Square Eyecare to make your appointment with Dr. Ethezaz today.

WHAT WE OFFER

Our Services

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes is a chronic eye condition that occurs if you don't make enough natural tears, or if you have poor-quality tears.

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Contact Lens Fitting

Lasik Consultation

LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is an advanced type of laser eye surgery in which your eye surgeon shapes.

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Urgent Eye Care

Eye Glasses

When you get your new eyeglasses prescription, Dr. Ethezaz discusses your specific lifestyle.

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Dry eye syndrome

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be comfortable, convenient, and easy to wear, but you need an expert’s assistance.

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Myopia Management

Eye Exams

At Lincoln Square Eyecare, Dr. Ethezaz offers both routine comprehensive eye exams and urgent care exams.

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Laser Surgery

Glaucomia

Around 1.5 million Americans currently have undiagnosed glaucoma today. It’s vitally important that you have regular screenings.

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Laser Surgery

Cataracts

Cataracts can give you hazy vision, and they only grow worse over time. It’s essential to get cataract diagnosis and care quickly.

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Laser Surgery

Myopia

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, affects about 40% of Americans today. Whether your myopia is mild or severe, proper vision correction.

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