Are Cataracts Common?

Most cataracts are related to natural aging. Therefore, if you live long enough, you will likely develop cataracts. More than half of all Americans aged 80 or older have cataracts or have had cataract surgery so cataracts are common specifically among the older population. 

Cataracts are a type of eye disease that causes a clouding or fogginess on the lens of the eye. Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition that is also the leading cause of preventable blindness. With a comprehensive eye exam at Pennachio Eye, cataracts can easily be diagnosed and a treatment plan offered to avoid any further vision impairment and to provide clear vision once again. 

As we age, the proteins in our eyes start to break down and can begin to clump together forming a blurred or cloudy area on the lens. For people with cataracts, it is described as trying to look through a fogged-up window. Clouded vision can cause difficulty driving, reading or seeing details or expressions on someone’s face. Most cataracts develop slowly and changes in vision will not be noticeable in the early stages of cataracts. Over time, cataracts will begin to distort vision. 

Common signs and symptoms of cataracts include blurred or dim vision, sensitivity to light and glare, halos around lights, fading or yellowing of colors, double vision in one eye, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. Risk factors for cataracts include smoking, excessive alcohol, family history, previous radiation treatment, eye exposure to direct sunlight, steroid usage, previous eye injury or trauma, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes. 

Cataracts are common and subsequently cataract surgery is common because it is the only means to treat cataracts. There are more than 2 million cataract surgeries performed each year. Cataract surgery is one of the most common, safe and effective types of surgery performed in the United States with an astonishing 99% success rate. 

If you have cataracts or suspect you may be developing cataracts, it is important to begin treatment as early as possible to protect your vision. Give Pennachio Eye a call at 325-227-1999 or schedule a consultation at WEBSITE to learn more about what services we provide and options to treat cataracts.