June is Cataract Awareness Month. To help increase awareness of this issue, we’re focusing on cataracts on this blog, and we’re explaining the importance of cataract surgery. Here are some compelling facts about this condition.
Cataracts Cause Blindness
Around the world, cataracts are the number one cause of blindness. People are more likely to go blind due to cataracts than they are to go blind due to any other vision issue. In the United States, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness, but cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in this country. The reason that fewer Americans go blind due to cataracts is that they have access to safe, reliable eye surgeons who can perform cataract surgery.
Cataracts Can Happen at Any Age
You can get cataracts at any age, and some infants are even born with cataracts. The majority of people don’t get cataracts until they are older, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, 17.2% of Americans over the age of 40 have a cataract in one or both eyes. To protect yourself, it’s critical to get regular eye exams. That allows your eye doctor to catch the issue as early as possible.
Cataracts Present a Number of Symptoms
A cataract is when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Usually, these lenses are clear, so when they start to get cloudy, your vision becomes severely compromised. If you have cataracts, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- Seeing double
- Perceiving bright colors as faded or yellowish
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving
- Needing more light than normal when trying to read
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment to talk with your eye doctor as soon as possible to find out if cataract surgery is necessary.
There Are Key Risk Factors of Cataracts
You are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age if you have a family history of that occurring. You are also more likely to face cataracts if you have diabetes or eye injuries. Additionally, spending too much time in the sun without sunglasses can contribute to the development of this issue. However, everyone will eventually develop a cataract.
Cataract Surgery Is the Only Cure
There are a few things you can do to slow down the onset of cataract symptoms. That includes wearing sunglasses with anti-UV coatings, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet. However, you should never try to treat cataracts on your own. The only way to eliminate the issue is with cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery Is a Short, Safe Procedure
During cataract surgery, the eye doctor removes the cloudy lens using ultrasound energy or laser-assisted technology. Then, they put in an artificial lens. After the procedure, most people report that their vision is better than ever. This is an outpatient procedure, and you can go home as soon as it’s over. However, you may need to restrict certain activities such as lifting or bending after your surgery.
If you have any symptoms of cataracts, contact us at New Vision Eye Center today. We can help you decide if you need cataract surgery, and our skilled doctors can perform the surgery for you. Contacting us can help you avoid blindness.