Cataracts are one of the most common causes of blindness around the world, with millions of people suffering from cataracts at any one time. Cataracts happen when some or all of the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision, halos around light, difficulty reading, and more.
Despite how common cataracts are, they are still misunderstood by a lot of people. So let’s quickly talk about some of the most important things to know about cataracts.
1 – People of any age can develop cataracts
While they are most common among people over 40, cataracts can begin to form at almost any age. Eye trauma which didn’t properly heal, as well as genetic factors, can cause them to form early.
2 – Early symptoms of cataracts are subtle
No one simply wakes up one morning to foggy vision. Cataracts form slowly over the course of years, so their symptoms can take awhile to notice. Early symptoms include:
- Blurry spots in vision
- Glare sensitivity
- Halos around lights
- Faded color perception
- Difficulty reading text at any distance
3 – Cataracts have many risk factors
Cataracts are associated with age, but that’s not the only risk factor. Other factors are:
- Too much UV light exposure
- Impact damage to the eye
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Excess drinking
- Obesity
- Overuse of steroid medications
- Family history / genetics
4 – Cataract surgery is the only fix
If someone has cataracts, there’s no non-invasive solution. You might be able to get by with prescription glasses for awhile, but the cataracts will get worse over time. Ultimately, the only solution is surgery.
This involves removing the outer lens of the eye, and inserting a synthetic replacement. This is a very common procedure, done millions of times a year, so there’s no reason to fear if you need cataract surgery.
5 – Preventative measures can help
Some people are genetically predisposed to get cataracts, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances:
- Always wear eye protection when impacts are a risk, such as when playing sports.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors.
- Don’t smoke, or drink to excess.
- Eat dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.
- Get regular eye exams, watching for signs of problems.
If you have a history of cataracts in your family, or are starting to have issues with your eyesight, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact the premiere optometrists in Phoenix, Valley Eyecare Center, for an exam
