Starting Off With An Understanding Of Cataracts
Over 22 million people aged 40 and older in the United States have cataracts. A cataract is essentially a clouding on the eye's natural lens. Individuals with cataracts experience clouded vision that can make it difficult to drive a vehicle, read, or simply view things clearly.
While early symptoms of cataracts will only slightly alter your vision, the condition will eventually cause further interference with your vision if left untreated. Since cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in individuals 40 and up, it is important to understand the symptoms associated with cataracts.
Symptoms may include clouded or blurred vision, there might be a sensitivity to light, one might see halos surrounding lights, there might even be an increased difficulty with vision at night, one might also experience double vision in one eye or colors may appear faded or somewhat yellow or how about frequent changes in your contact or eyeglass prescription.
If you notice any changes in your vision, it is important to schedule an appointment for an eye exam. Your eye doctor will be able to prescribe the most appropriate form of action.
Cataracts can result from a number of factors. Many people develop cataracts as they get older. There are some genetic disorders that can increase your risk of developing cataracts. Others develop cataracts because of an injury. Additional risk factors include diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, previous eye surgery, excessive alcohol consumption, excess exposure to ionizing radiation such as cancer radiation therapy or X-rays, and prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.
When symptoms of cataracts first appear, appropriate visual aids such as new glasses or strong bifocals may help improve your vision. As the symptoms progress, however, it may be time to consider cataract surgery, which is now the most commonly performed surgery in the United States. Every year, more than 3 million people in the U.S. undergo cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is where the clouded lens is removed and replace with an intraocular lens or IOL. The IOLs of today have been developed to increase overall vision, block blue light and ultraviolet rays which help to provide protection for your eyes.
Many eye care practitioners also recommend that patients improve vision by eating healthier diets such as increasing antioxidant intake. To learn more about what you can do to protect your vision and options for cataract treatments, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
Bill White takes a look into cataracts at What Are Cataracts. Bill also explores glaucoma at What Is Glaucoma.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE, COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
