Did you know that June is Cataract Awareness Month? What better time than now to learn about cataracts: whom they affect, their symptoms, and how they are treated.
Nearly half of all adults will develop cataracts by age 80. The older we get, the more natural wear and tear our eyes suffer, resulting in clouding of the eye’s natural lens, known as cataracts.
“I like to compare it to the clear plastic window on a convertible car,” said board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles, M.D. “After years of exposure to sun and weather, the plastic becomes yellow and cloudy.”
But there is no need to worry, cataracts are very treatable and can be detected long before the lens becomes cloudy. Early symptoms of cataracts include: blurry sight, double vision, halos, glare – the eyes becomes dazzled by bright light, difficulty driving at night, and frequently changing your glasses prescriptions.
If you feel as if you may be suffering from one or more of these symptoms, you should schedule an eye exam at your earliest convenience. Early detection is the key to slowing or even stopping the spread of cataracts.
If these symptoms persist, however, and become bothersome, surgery may be your best option. Cataract surgery involves removing the damaged lens and replacing it with a new synthetic one. Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure that takes about 10 minutes (not including pre and post-op preparation) and has the highest success rate of any surgery practiced today. Most patients can resume their normal, everyday function in very little time and can even drive a few days after surgery.
So what are you waiting for? Schedule an eye exam today. Many eye conditions, including cataracts,that can become problematic are easily diagnosable and treatable with regular eye exams.
If you have any questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!