Question 1

What is Cataracts?

Accepted Answer

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens in the eye that impairs vision and typically develops with aging. They are caused by oxidative stress and nutritional deficiencies, particularly low levels of riboflavin (Vitamin B2), which acts as an essential antioxidant for eye health. The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) blood test is the most important test for assessing nutritional factors that increase cataract risk.

Question 2

What causes cataracts?

Accepted Answer

Cataracts are caused by oxidative stress and damage to the proteins in the eye lens, which accumulate over time and cloud vision. Aging is the primary factor, but nutritional deficiencies—particularly low levels of riboflavin (Vitamin B2)—accelerate cataract formation by reducing the eye's natural antioxidant defenses. Other contributing factors include prolonged UV exposure, diabetes, smoking, and certain medications like corticosteroids that increase oxidative damage to the lens.

Question 3

What is the best test for cataracts?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) test is the most important blood test for assessing cataract risk because it measures riboflavin levels, an essential nutrient that protects the eye lens from oxidative stress. Low riboflavin levels are directly linked to increased cataract formation, as this B vitamin acts as a powerful antioxidant that maintains lens clarity. While comprehensive eye examinations remain the primary method for diagnosing cataracts themselves, the Vitamin B2 test identifies nutritional deficiencies that can be corrected through supplementation to reduce your risk of developing cataracts or slow their progression.

Question 4

When should I get tested for cataracts?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice blurry or cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to glare from lights, difficulty seeing at night, or colors appearing faded or yellowed. Testing is also recommended if you are over 60 years old, have diabetes, smoke, take corticosteroid medications long-term, or have a family history of cataracts. Getting a Vitamin B2 blood test can identify nutritional deficiencies early, allowing you to take preventive steps before cataracts significantly impact your vision.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Accepted Answer

Cataracts cause progressive clouding of vision that makes objects appear blurry, hazy, or less colorful, as if you are looking through a foggy window. You might notice increased sensitivity to bright lights and glare, especially when driving at night, seeing halos around lights, or needing frequent changes to your eyeglass prescription. Some people develop double vision in one eye or find that colors appear faded or yellowed, making it difficult to distinguish between similar shades like navy blue and black.

Question 6

Who is at risk for cataracts?

Accepted Answer

People over 60 years old have the highest risk for cataracts, as age-related oxidative damage accumulates in the eye lens over time. Other significant risk factors include diabetes (high blood sugar damages lens proteins), smoking (increases oxidative stress), prolonged UV exposure without eye protection, long-term corticosteroid use, previous eye injuries or inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies especially in Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. A family history of cataracts, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity also increase your likelihood of developing this condition.

Question 7

What happens if cataracts are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated cataracts progressively worsen and eventually lead to severe vision impairment or blindness, making it difficult to perform daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. As cataracts advance, they significantly increase your risk of falls, accidents, and injuries due to poor depth perception and reduced visual clarity. Left unaddressed, cataracts can also cause secondary complications like inflammation inside the eye or increased eye pressure, and advanced cataracts become harder to remove surgically with potentially longer recovery times.

Question 8

Can cataracts be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Cataracts cannot be directly diagnosed with a blood test, as they are identified through comprehensive eye examinations including visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examination, and dilated eye exams that allow doctors to see the clouding of the lens. However, blood tests like the Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) test play an important role in assessing nutritional deficiencies that increase cataract risk and contribute to their development. Testing riboflavin and other antioxidant levels helps identify correctable factors that can support eye health and potentially slow cataract progression when addressed early.

Question 9

How are cataracts treated?

Accepted Answer

Cataracts are treated primarily through surgical removal of the clouded lens, which is replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens that restores vision in a quick outpatient procedure with high success rates. In early stages, your doctor may recommend stronger eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, better lighting, or anti-glare sunglasses to manage symptoms before surgery becomes necessary. Addressing nutritional deficiencies through Vitamin B2 supplementation and antioxidant-rich diets may help slow cataract progression, though surgery remains the only definitive treatment once cataracts significantly impair vision and quality of life.

Question 10

How can I prevent cataracts?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your cataract risk by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses whenever outdoors, quitting smoking, managing diabetes and blood sugar levels carefully, and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants including leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and foods high in Vitamin B2 like eggs, almonds, dairy products, and fortified cereals helps protect your eye lens from oxidative damage. Limiting alcohol consumption, having regular comprehensive eye exams after age 60, and ensuring adequate intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids also support long-term eye health.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with cataracts?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches to support eye health include increasing your intake of Vitamin B2 through foods like milk, yogurt, eggs, lean meats, almonds, spinach, and fortified cereals, which provide the antioxidant protection your lens needs. Consuming lutein and zeaxanthin from dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, along with Vitamin C from citrus fruits and berries, helps combat oxidative stress that contributes to cataract formation. While these natural remedies cannot reverse existing cataracts, they may slow progression when combined with UV protection, smoking cessation, and regular monitoring with your eye care professional.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cataracts Blood Test

What is Cataracts?

What causes cataracts?

What is the best test for cataracts?

When should I get tested for cataracts?

References

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