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What To Know About Cataracts

June is Cataract Awareness month. Did you know that cataracts are the main reason behind deteriorating vision among those 55 and older? Actually, more than fifty percent of all people who are 65 or older have some degree of cataract development. As stated by the National Eye Institute, by the time they reach 80 years old, more than 50 percent of all Americans will either have a cataract or had cataract surgery.

So what exactly is a cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens; one which limits or distorts the passage of light into the eye. For most people, cataracts are a normal side effect of older age. Additional causes for developing a cataract include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, family medical history, cigarettes and various eye injuries.

In the first phases of cataract development, more efficient lighting and glasses can be implemented to reduce the vision issues you may have begun to notice. At a certain point, though, surgery might be required to fix your vision. It's worth nothing that more than 90% of people who have undergone cataract surgery reacquire perfect or near perfect sight.

If you are at risk for developing cataracts and perceiving cloudy eyesight, call our office to discuss cataracts with your eye doctor. The prognosis for cataracts is excellent, and we know you want to see well throughout your later years.