When most people hear of cataracts, they get pretty scared. That's probably because they have heard it's responsible for most vision loss cases in the U.S. However, what many people don't know is that the condition is quite common, especially among the elderly, and also fairly easy to treat if caught early. Continue reading to learn more about cataracts.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is formed when your eye lens becomes foggy. For you to see clearly, light must pass through a clear lens. The lens then focuses that light, and the signals are carried into the brain to be processed into images.
When the lenses are foggy, they cannot focus the light properly. As a result, you'll start to experience blurry vision or even total vision loss.
Who Gets Cataracts?
Typically, anyone can get cataracts, including newborn babies. However, it's most common among adults over 40 years old. During the early stages, it's difficult to detect this condition without a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist. It may take years for you to notice the symptoms, during which time the condition could develop to an advanced stage.
Various factors may also increase your chances of getting cataracts. For example, if you smoke cigarettes, use alcohol heavily, live in a place with bad air pollution, or your family has a history of cataracts, you're more prone to the disease.
Treatment Options
When a cataract is detected early, it can be treated using non-surgical methods like new anti-glare sunglasses, eyeglasses, or magnifying lenses. Your eye doctor may also suggest ways to prevent cataract development, like better positioning of reading lights and wearing of hats when outdoors.
If your cataract causes vision loss or interferes with various activities like reading, driving, or computer use, the condition is critical, and your eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery.
This entails replacing your clouded lens with an artificial one. Generally, the surgery goes smoothly without any pain, as you're under local anesthesia. You'll be released immediately after the operation.
How Much Will Recovery from a Cataract Surgery Take?
Typically, you'll be able to embark on your daily activities within a day after the surgery. However, you may still experience some blurriness for several days after cataract removal. The good news is that your eye should be fully healed within six weeks.
Your optometrist will assess whether you need to wear contact lenses or glasses after cataract surgery. If you need to, be prepared to buy new contact lenses or eyeglasses, as it's highly likely your prescription will change.
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