Did you know that approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which cause cloudy, blurry or dim vision and often develop with advancing age? Have you ever thought, “I’ve heard a lot of talk about cataracts but EYE need to know more?
This month Envision Eye Care joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in observing Cataract Awareness month. To start we wanted to share three things that EVERYONE should know about the condition and it’s treatment.
As everyone grows older, the lenses of their eyes thicken and become cloudier. Eventually, they may find it more difficult to read street signs. Colors may seem dull. These symptoms may signal cataracts, which affect about 70 percent of people by age 75. Fortunately, cataracts can be correct with surgery. Ophthalmologists, who specialize in medical and surgical eye care, perform around three million cataract surgeries each year to restore vision to those patients. If you’ve ever wanted to get an idea of what it would be like to see without cataracts the American Academy of Ophthalmology has a cataract vision simulator, http://bit.ly/CataractSimulator, that can help you understand. The following are three facts that people should know about the condition.
#1 Age is not the Only Risk Factor for Cataracts
Though most everyone will develop cataracts with age, recent studies show that lifestyle and behavior can influence when and how severely you develop cataracts. Diabetes, extensive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and certain ethnicities have all been linked to increased risk of cataracts. Eye injuries, prior eye surgery and long-term use of steroid medication can also result in cataracts. If you have any of these or other risk factors you should call Envision Eye Care as soon as possible to make an appointment with Dr. Krebs.
#2 Cataracts Cannot be Prevented, But you Can Lower your Risk
Wearing UV blocking sunglasses and brimmed hats when outside can help. Several studies suggest that eating more vitamin C-rich foods may delay how fast cataracts form. Also, avoid smoking cigarettes, which have been shown to increase the risk for cataract development.
#3 Surgery May Help Improve More than Just Your Vision
During cataract surgery procedure. the natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which should improve your vision significantly. Patients have a variety of lenses to choose from, each with different benefits. Studies have shown that cataract surgery can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of falling. If cataracts are interfering with your ability to see well, consider asking Dr. Krebs about cataract surgery at your next appointment.
If you or anyone you know has any of the main risk factors for cataracts or are experiencing symptoms call Envision Eye Care to make an appointment today! As Mid-Michigan’s only fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgeon, Dr. Krebs provides phenomenal care and excellent outcomes. Envision provides a no-stitch, no-patch procedure is performed under topical anesthesia and has minimal post-operative physical restrictions. Our team is ready to restore your youthful vision and increase your quality of life.
If you would like to learn more about cataract symptoms, treatment, and types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology page to read more by following this link: http://bit.ly/AAOCataracts. Also, stay tuned to our blog and our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for continuous tips, facts and information regarding all things eye care!
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology
