April 2022 Edition
What are cataracts?
When we are born there is a clear lens within the eye. This contributes to the spectacle and contact lens prescription. When your doctor observes changes to this lens, cataracts can be diagnosed.
However, there are many different types of cataracts. Some are associated with specific ocular and systemic conditions, prolonged use of certain medications, past or recent incidents of trauma, chronic sunlight exposure, as well as natural aging processes.
The symptoms of cataracts vary from patient to patient. Although clinically significant cataracts often correlate with symptoms of reduced vision, new glare or halos, poor color contrast, and changes to the spectacle prescription. If any of these occur, it may mean that cataracts are progressing.
Fortunately, cataracts can be removed and quality of life can often be improved. After the cataract is removed, a new clear lens is inserted to replace the old cloudy lens. There are many different types of lens implants that are individualized for each patient. Additionally, cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the USA¹. The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes, but there is more time spent prior to and after the procedure for observation. After the procedure, patients are oftentimes less-dependent on spectacles or contacts than they were prior to the operation.
The number of patients with cataracts is expected to double by 2050². The good news is cataracts can be diagnosed at your comprehensive eye examination and steps can be taken to improve vision and quality of life.
When we are born there is a clear lens within the eye. This contributes to the spectacle and contact lens prescription. When your doctor observes changes to this lens, cataracts can be diagnosed.
However, there are many different types of cataracts. Some are associated with specific ocular and systemic conditions, prolonged use of certain medications, past or recent incidents of trauma, chronic sunlight exposure, as well as natural aging processes.
The symptoms of cataracts vary from patient to patient. Although clinically significant cataracts often correlate with symptoms of reduced vision, new glare or halos, poor color contrast, and changes to the spectacle prescription. If any of these occur, it may mean that cataracts are progressing.
Fortunately, cataracts can be removed and quality of life can often be improved. After the cataract is removed, a new clear lens is inserted to replace the old cloudy lens. There are many different types of lens implants that are individualized for each patient. Additionally, cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the USA¹. The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes, but there is more time spent prior to and after the procedure for observation. After the procedure, patients are oftentimes less-dependent on spectacles or contacts than they were prior to the operation.
The number of patients with cataracts is expected to double by 2050². The good news is cataracts can be diagnosed at your comprehensive eye examination and steps can be taken to improve vision and quality of life.
References:
1. Cataract data and Statistics. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-campaigns-and-resources/eye-health-data-and-statistics/cataract-data-and-statistics. Published July 17, 2019. Accessed March 14, 2022.
2. Dallas M. The 10 most common surgeries in the U.S. Healthgrades. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/tests-and-procedures/the-10-most-common-surgeries-in-the-u-s. Published September 10, 2021. Accessed March 14, 2022.
1. Cataract data and Statistics. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-campaigns-and-resources/eye-health-data-and-statistics/cataract-data-and-statistics. Published July 17, 2019. Accessed March 14, 2022.
2. Dallas M. The 10 most common surgeries in the U.S. Healthgrades. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/tests-and-procedures/the-10-most-common-surgeries-in-the-u-s. Published September 10, 2021. Accessed March 14, 2022.