If you’ve noticed that your vision is getting more blurry, colors seem less vibrant, or you are noticing halos appearing around lights, you may be one of the nearly 22 million Americans who have cataracts.
Cataracts occur when cells start dying and accumulating in the lens of the eye, which makes the world you see cloudy and dull. They are a natural result of aging and while they can’t be prevented, they are treatable. According the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will have cataracts.
Some good news about cataracts comes from a Harvard University study, which found that, along with advances in cardiac care, the increased number of cataract surgeries is one of the most important factors behind today’s increased years of independence for seniors. “In the past, cataract surgery was very lengthy and technically difficult,” David Cutler, co-author of the study explained. “That same surgery today can be done in an outpatient setting so that complications and disability are significantly ameliorated.”
Here are some things you should know about cataracts, their risk factors and treatment.
Risk factors
Age is the biggest risk factor for cataracts, but there are other risk factors, including:
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes
- Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
- Smoking
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Family history of cataracts
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Previous eye surgery
To reduce your risk, it helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthful diet. Specifically, studies have shown that diets high in Vitamins C and E, lutein and zeaxanthan (found in leafy greens like spinach and kale), and Omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish like wild salmon and sardines, and also in flax seeds) may help prevent cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include keeping your weight within a normal range, avoiding getting too much sun, drinking alcohol in moderation, and not smoking.
Treatment
Cataracts are highly treatable, so if you’re experiencing any symptoms, you should see your ophthalmologist. He/she will conduct tests to determine if you have cataracts or any other eye conditions that may be causing your symptoms. If you receive a diagnosis of cataracts, new eyeglasses or anti-glare sunglasses may help during the early stages of the disease. If symptoms continue to worsen, surgery is the only effective treatment.
Cataract surgery
While the idea of any surgery can be scary, about 3 million Americans get cataract surgery every year, making it one of the most common surgeries performed. It is also highly effective, with about 90 percent of people who have cataract surgery reporting improved vision. Of course, there are risks, which you should discuss thoroughly with your doctor.
What to expect
During surgery, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). It is a relatively painless procedure and generally lasts about one hour. Many people stay awake for the entire procedure. After surgery, you may experience some discomfort, which should disappear within a few days. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with this. Your doctor may also recommend using eye drops to reduce the risk of infection. Healing should be complete within eight weeks.
You don’t need to live with vision loss due to cataracts. If you think you have them or are at risk, see your ophthalmologist and make your life a little brighter.
