You undoubtedly know someone who has or had cataracts. They affect nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. That is more than glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy combined. Still, many Americans don’t know what a cataract is. So, without further ado, we will answer the question on everyone’s mind…
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lense. When the lense becomes cloudy, it is no longer able to properly focus light onto the retina. As a result, vision problems can and will develop, most notably blurry vision. This blurriness will worsen over time, until it eventually affects your quality of life. But don’t worry. Cataracts are very treatable. In fact, cataract surgery is not only the most frequently performed operation in the United States, with a 98% success rate it is also the most successful surgery performed in the country.
Diagnosing Cataracts
If you notice any change in your vision, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. Any change in your vision is serious and should be addressed quickly. Your eye doctor will perform and complete eye exam and tell you the source of your vision loss, whether it is cataracts or something else.
Once you are diagnosed with a cataract, your eye doctor will monitor your vision regularly for any changes.
Treating Cataracts
There is no cure for cataracts. Surgery is the only treatment, but is typically delayed until the cataract has begun to affect day-to-day life, such as driving, reading, etc. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced by a crystal clear intraocular lens (IOL).
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.