What are Cataracts?

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 that 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.  More poetically speaking, cataract is actually Latin for “waterfall.” However, if it is happening to your vision, you may not necessarily appreciate the symbolism.

Cataracts are an inevitability of aging, but doctors have identified a few factors such as smoking, sun exposure, diabetes, eye trauma and some medications such as steroids that may contribute to their development.  In its early 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.  A few additional facts:

  • Cataracts aren’t 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 brought to the attention of both your primary and eye doctors.
  • According to the National Eye Institute, from 2000 to 2010, the number of cases in U.S. adults over the age of 40 rose by 20 percent, from 20.5 million to 24.4 million. In 2013, Prevent Blindness America reported 24 million cases of cataracts in U.S. adults over the age of 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. But, they aren’t contagious – they don’t spread from one eye to the other.
  • Cataract removal is the most common surgical procedure in the world; some 75 million have been performed in the last three decades.
  • Cataract removal is also one of the most successful surgical procedures, with over 95 percent of patients having no post-op complications.

The National Consumer Advisory Board named LASIK and cataract surgeon, Dr. Neil B. Griffin one of America’s Best Physicians in 2021 and 2022. He has been named atop cataract surgeon by Precision Eye Services and has received multiple local distinctions, including Best Laser Vision Surgeon and ophthalmologist.

Griffin Eye Center offers the latest in cataract surgery with the most advanced Intra-Ocular Lenses available and the new Light Adjustable Lens for cataract surgery. The clinic has a state-of-the-art on-site LASIK suite for the best Laser Vision Correction possible and offers more options for individualized Laser Vision Correction.

To learn more visit www.griffineyecenter.com