This June is Cataract Awareness Month! Unless you’ve had a cataract or know someone who has had one, you may not know as much as you should about this age-related vision problem. This week, our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center are dedicating their time to make sure that you know more about cataracts!
Optometrists Answer FAQs About Cataracts
What is a cataract exactly?
A cataract is generally categorized as a clouding of the eye’s lens, which lies directly behind the pupil. Cataracts are most often found in people who are 50 years or older. About half of the population suffers from a cataract by the time they are 65 years old.
How are cataracts treated?
Typically, a cataract surgery is performed in order to remove the cataract. A qualified optometrist will make a small incision to remove the lens and replace it with an intraocular lens, which will restore the vision to the eye. Because this procedure is a surgery, it is important to check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough for the procedure, but it is rare to find a severe complication after a cataract surgery.
Will I need to wear glasses after receiving cataract surgery?
While each person is different and reacts differently to the surgery, most of the surgeries that optometrists perform today can restore your vision to 20/20 vision, which will allow you to see without glasses or contact lenses.
Is it possible to get a cataract again after surgery?
Yes, it is possible. These secondary cataracts show up in about 20 to 30% of the cases we see, but this is often months or years after the initial surgery.
Cataracts can impair your vision, but thankfully they can be corrected easily. To learn more about cataracts, or to schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.
