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
  • Not seeing street signs while driving until 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