The Cataract Breakdown + A Special Surprise

Welcome to…The Cataract Breakdown! In conjunction with June being Cataract Awareness Month, Shanbom Eye Specialist wants to provide you the 411 when it comes to cataracts, but this time with a twist- instead of sifting through countless paragraphs of heavy information, we’ve broken up this article into just five easy parts. 

Let’s get started: 

What is a Cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens focuses light rays on the retina at the back of the eye to produce a sharp image of what we see. When the lens becomes cloudy, the light rays cannot easily pass through it, and the image becomes blurry.

Who Does Cataracts Affect Most? Cataract affects over 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older, or about one in every six people in this age range. By age 80, more than half of all Americans have cataract(s). Women tend to be more affected than men, with about 61 percent being women and 39 being men. Interestingly, about one in 250 children will develop or be born with cataracts. Meaning, if symptoms arise, it is best advised to have an exam done. 

How Do You Get Checked for Cataracts? Most cataracts can be detected through a routine comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, your doctor will check your vision as well as examine your eye (and its health!) When was your last exam? Give us a call to schedule yours today. 

If You Have A Cataract, What Are Your Next Steps? The cataract may need no treatment at all if the vision is only a little blurry. A change in your eyeglass prescription may improve vision for a while. There are no medications, eye drops, exercises or glasses that will cause cataracts to disappear once they have formed. When you are not able to see well enough to do the things you like to do, cataract surgery is the only way to improve your vision.

In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. In most cases, the focusing power of the natural lens is restored by replacing it with a permanent intraocular lens implant. Advanced technology implants can even correct both distance and near vision (Multifocal) as well as astigmatism (Toric). Over 95% of cataract surgeries improve vision.

Finally, What IS the Surprise? By having your eyes routinely examined, or by taking preventive or treatment measures for cataracts, you will create a longer healthier life for you and your vision. Voila! 

Have questions? Give us a call today.