June is Cataract Awareness month. Have you been informed that cataracts are the leading culprit of loss of vision among patients who are over 55 years old? More so, more than half of the population who are 65 and older have at the very least, partial cataract development. As stated by the National Eye Institute, by the time they reach 80 years old, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye; one which blocks or alters the passage of light into the eye. For a lot of people, cataracts are a natural result of aging. Other risk factors for developing a cataract include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, steroid use, smoking and eye injuries.
During the first stages of cataract development, stronger lighting and eyewear may be used to minimize the vision problems you may have begun to notice. At a certain point, however, surgery might be necessary in order to rectify your sight. But, it's comforting to know that more than 9 out of 10 patients who have undergone cataract surgery recover excellent vision.
If you are in your 60s and perceiving cloudy sight, call us to discuss cataracts with your eye care professional. Cataracts are treatable, and we know you want to be able to see well throughout your golden years.
