Understanding cataracts
Cataracts are best described as a blurring of the eye’s lens. The blurring can cause light to scatter and prevent the retina from getting a proper focus. With time, the clouding will become continually problematic, resulting in increased blurry vision and even blindness.
Fortunately, patients with cataracts have options to maintain their vision and even restore vision. The team at the Eye Care Institute first encourages patients to have regular vision screenings and comprehensive examinations to monitor for the development of cataracts, among other conditions such as glaucoma that can develop with age. Cataracts that become continually cloudy can be addressed with surgery, during which the eye surgeon will replace the natural lens with an artificial lens. This eliminates the condition and restore vision completely!
Who is at risk of developing cataracts?
Approximately 25 million American have been diagnosed with cataracts. In fact, it is considered one of the most common age-related vision disorders experienced by adult men and women in the United States. The condition has many causes and risk factors, including:
- Age. Aging patients over the age of 65 have a 50% chance of developing cataracts.
- Diabetes. Diabetic patients are 10 times more likely to develop cataracts in their lifetime than those without diabetes.
- Poor protection against sunlight. UV rays can damage proteins present in the natural lens that can increase one’s risk of cataracts later on.
- High blood pressure. Certain blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers can increase one’s risk of developing cataracts.
- Obesity. Obesity can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure, which can increase risk of cataracts.
Learn more about cataracts today
Our team of professionals at the Eye Care Institute understand how important it is for patients to have good vision and healthy eyes. Patients in the community who have concerns about their eyes, especially if they suspect the development of cataracts or glaucoma, should schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our team. Call (707) 546-9800 to request an appointment at any one of our three convenient office locations.