Cataracts – Common and Correctible

If you’re over the age of 40 and have recently experienced a change in your vision marked by hazy or blurred sight, you might be one of more than 22 million Americans 40 or older suffering with cataracts.

Cataracts can affect one or both eyes, and cause blindness if not appropriately dealt with. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified cataracts as the leading cause of blindness worldwide. 

Our eye care team has advanced training in the detection, management and treatment of cataracts. Contact us now to schedule a cataract consultation or continue reading to learn more about what cataracts are, how they develop and what we can do to help you get rid of them.

What Exactly Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens, the part of the eye located just behind the iris and pupil that plays an essential role in vision clarity.

Your lens is mostly made up of water and protein. As you grow older, this protein can become damaged and begin to clump together as the lens loses flexibility and becomes thicker. These clumps of protein are responsible for clouding your vision.

Dealing With Cataracts

Early-stage cataracts may be easily treatable with a stronger eyeglass prescription or powerful bifocals. However, as the lens becomes more clouded, you may experience things like double vision and poor night vision. Bright lights may cause you problems and colors can lose vibrancy. At this stage of cataract development, your day-to-day life is impeded and surgery should be considered.

Cataract surgery is among the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed in the United States. In a matter of minutes, our skilled surgeons can remove your damaged lens and replace it with an artificial alternative (called an intraocular lens, or IOL). We have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries and have the expertise needed to help guide you through the process.

Know Your Cataract Risk Factors

Age is the primary risk factor when it comes to cataracts. The older you get, the greater your risk of developing a cataract. More than 50 percent of Americans age 80 and older either have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery. But age isn’t the only risk factor.

Additional cataract risk factors may include:

• Genetic factors (family history of cataracts)
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Long-term steroid use
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Previous eye surgery or injury
• Diabetes