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Understanding This Serious Eye Condition
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss for people over forty. By age eighty, more than half of all Americans have cataracts. This common condition occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy or opaque, causing blurred vision.
Understanding cataracts is essential for maintaining healthy vision as you age. Here are the five things you need to know about this serious eye condition:
#1: Cataracts Develop Gradually
Cataracts usually form gradually and painlessly. You may not notice any change in your vision in the early stages. As cataracts progress, you may begin to experience blurred or hazy vision. You may also have difficulty seeing at night.
#2: Cataracts Are Usually Linked to Aging…
Cataracts are most often associated with age. As you get older, the proteins in your eye’s lens begin to break down and clump together. This causes the lens to become less transparent and affects your vision.
#3: …But Not Always
In some cases, younger people can develop cataracts. This is usually the result of an injury, certain medications or another eye condition, such as diabetes.
#4: You Can Reduce Your Risk
You can do a few things to reduce your risk of developing cataracts. One is to wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. This will help prevent damage to the eye’s lens. You should also quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as these habits can increase your risk.
#5: Cataracts Can Be Treated
If your vision is affected by cataracts, there are treatment options available. Surgery is the most common treatment for cataracts. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is a proven procedure to improve vision, which has been safely performed on millions of people. Now with the new high-technology lens implants, many patients enjoy less dependence or a reduced need for glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.
Dallas Cataract Treatment at Key-Whitman Eye Center
If you have concerns about cataracts or your vision, talk to our team at Key-Whitman Eye Center. Our comprehensive eye exam can determine if cataracts are the issue and provide treatment options. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
