Cataract Awareness Month: 8 Facts About Cataracts

June is National Cataract Awareness Month in the U.S. This eye condition is incredibly common, affecting millions of Americans. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that can affect vision clarity. The good news, is that is is easily treatable. In fact, cataracts can be corrected using a quick, often pain-free minor surgical procedure.

At Innovative Eye Care, we believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, we wanted to share eight facts to help you understand this common eye condition.

1. Cataracts Often Occur Simply From Aging

Cataracts are common, in part, because they are often a result of aging. If you are 55 or older, you are at an increased risk for cataracts. It’s important to schedule regular eye exams in order to prevent cataracts from worsening your vision in one or both eyes.

2. Your Lifestyle and Genetics Can Also Increase Your Risk

Heredity, physical traits, and lifestyle habits, can also contribute to the development of cataracts. These other risk factors include:

Family history of developing cataracts
Frequent exposure to sunlight
Smoking
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity

3. More than 70% of People Develop Cataracts by Age 75

As mentioned, cataracts are extremely common. They are especially prevalent in those over 75. Fortunately, many of those who have cataracts. undergo a minor procedure to remove and replace the clouded lens and restore vision.

4. The Number of Americans with Cataracts is Expected to Double

By the year 2050, the number of Americans with cataracts is expected to reach 50 million. This is about twice as many as there are currently. This is due in part to the aging Baby Boomer generation and increased life expectancy.

5. Cataract Surgery is Virtually Painless and Quick

Because it’s so common, technology has come a long way when it comes to cataract removal. Most patients report little to no pain and most surgical procedures take less than 30 minutes to complete. The surgery involves the cloudy natural lens being removed and replaced with an artificial interocular lens (IOL), allowing the patient to see more clearly.

6. This Surgery is the Most Common in the U.S.

The high number of Americans with cataracts and the high success rate of the procedure, makes cataract surgery very common. If you are noticing changes in vision or issues with glare, schedule an eye exam immediately.

7. Improved Vision Improves Safety and Quality of Life

Improving your vision, positively impacts your quality of life overall. There may be things that you have given up because you can no longer see well enough. Also, diminished visual clarity also increases the risk of falling and tripping, which is especially dangerous for those of an advanced age.

8. Innovative Eye Care Can Help

If you have, or think you may have cataracts in one or both eyes, contact Innovative Eye Care right away to schedule an exam. The sooner you have the procedure, the sooner you can reclaim your vision. We understand the thought of ocular (eye-related) surgical procedures can be scary and hope the information in this post has helped alleviate your concerns.

If you would like to schedule an eye exam click the button below or call us at (269) 870-7334.