Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world, but fortunately it is correctable.  

It is the most common surgery for Americans over the age of 65.  95% of people 85 years old have cataracts. Almost 50% of people 65 have a developing cataract.

 

Causes:          AGING – actually when our vision starts to require glasses for reading the cataract process is beginning but takes 20 plus years to form.  Lifestyle can slow it down, see lifestyle

FROM BIRTH – This can be genetic or from infections while in the womb

TRAUMATIC – severe injuries to the eye can cause a cataract to form.

                        OXIDATION STRESSES – UV radiation,” therapeutic” radiation,  

                        medication, and toxic chemicals.    Lifestyle again is preventive.

 

Symptoms:     Decreased distance vision, usually expressed as – ot seeing street signs while driving closer to them.

                        Not seeing the golf ball land as well as before.

                        Not reading the rolling scroll on TV as before.

                        Decreased night vision - Not comfortable driving at night due to vision.

                        More glare from headlights

                        Increased need for light -  Need more light to read or see well

                        New ability to read without glasses called “second sight”

                        Poor color discrimination

                       

You may need cataract surgery if:

-         you want to see better and glasses won't help

-         you have been told you have a cataract

-         your vision hinders your lifestyle

-         you have a real problem with glare in the night or in the day

-         you want to see better

-         an eye care professional has recommended surgery for the cataract