Anyone who has ever visited our blog before knows that cataracts are a natural part of the aging process. If we live long enough, we will all develop cataracts at some point in our lives. They are not preventable, but they are very treatable. In fact, more than 90% of people who undergo cataract surgery regain useful vision.
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Cataract Facts
- Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the world.
- Cataracts affect nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older.
- By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had cataracts.
- Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed operation in the United States.
Cataract Fiction
Despite all of the information available online, there are still several common misconceptions surrounding cataracts and cataract treatment. These misconceptions include:
- Cataracts can be prevented. As we have already mentioned, there is no way to prevent cataracts from forming. It is a natural part of the aging process. Don’t be fooled by miracle drugs that claim they can prevent or dissolve cataracts. No such medication has ever been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
- Close work makes cataracts worse. Cataracts are not caused or worsened by how you use your eyes. Close work, like reading or sewing, will not make a cataract worse. It may make the cataract more noticeable, which is probably how this common misconception began.
- Cataracts are reversible. Sorry. The only way to treat cataracts is through cataract surgery. Once your cataract begins affecting your quality of life, cataract surgery is your best option.
- Cataract surgery is dangerous. This could not be further from the truth. Besides being the most frequently performed operation in the United States, this surgery has a 98% success rate, making it the most successful surgery performed today.
- Cataracts grow back. Sorry. Wrong again. Occasionally, patients develop what is known as an after cataract, which results from the growth and abnormal proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the capsule after cataract surgery. Eventually, these cells migrate to the center of the posterior capsule, causing blurred or blurry vision.
Cataract Treatment in Annapolis
The Anne Arundel Eye Center is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. Dr. Boles and the eye care specialists at AAEC have helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. So, if your cataract begins affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Boles at your earliest convenience.
If you have any questions about Cataract Treatment in Annapolis or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.