Cataracts is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The longer cataracts are left untreated, the more difficult it can be to successfully remove the cataract and restore vision. During Cataract Awareness Month in June, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Griffin Eye Center reminds the public that early detection and treatment of cataracts is critical to preserving sight.
What are Cataracts? The simplest explanation is the lens of the eye is no longer clear. The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light into the eye which then signals the brain to “see” images. The lens must be clear to visualize a sharp image. With age, the lens becomes increasingly cloudy, causing blurry vision, impaired night vision and a general inability to see clearly.
Cataracts are an inevitability of aging, but doctors have identified a few factors such as smoking, sun exposure, diabetes, eye trauma, and medications such as steroids that may contribute to their development. In its initial stages, people can use reading glasses, magnification, and better lighting to try and improve their vision. However, as the cataract progresses, the only way to treat it is to remove the clouded lens. Every year, according to Prevent Blindness, more than two million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S.
- Cataracts are not painful, nor do they make your eyes red or teary. It simply impacts the clarity and contrast in your vision. Any changes in vision should be discussed with both your primary and eye doctors.
- According to the National Eye Institute, by the year 2030 the number of cases in U.S. adults over the age of 40 will increase by 58 percent from 24.4 million in 2010 to a projected 38.7 million. Prevent Blindness America reports 95 percent are age-related, typically appearing sometime after age 40.
- Cataracts are more likely to occur among women recent reports show 61 percent of Americans with cataracts were women; 39 percent were men.
- More than half of all Americans have cataracts by the time they are 80 years old.
- Cataracts are the leading cause of poor vision and blindness around the globe.
- A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. They are not contagious – they do not spread from one eye to the other.
- Cataract removal is the most common surgical procedure in the world; 75 million have been performed in the last three decades.
Advanced cataract surgery requires special expertise of a cataract surgeon. Griffin Eye Center, Ophthalmic Surgeon, Neil Griffin, M.D., specializes in cataract, LASIK, and corneal surgery. Dr. Griffin is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and Fellowship trained. He was named one of the top cataract surgeons in the US by The National Consumer Advisory Board and has won over 28 local distinctions, including “Best LASIK Surgeon”, “Best Cataract Surgeon” and “Best Ophthalmologist”. Dr. Griffin and his experienced staff offer consultations to help you decide which lens will fit your unique lifestyle.
If you are looking for a top cataract surgeon or want to know your options for cataract surgery visit griffineyecenter.com or schedule an appointment 843-449-6414.