Cataract FAQ | Cataract Awareness Month

Cataracts involve clouding of the lens in the eye. This can lead to dim or blurry vision because cataracts interfere with light passing through the retina. Cataracts are very common. In fact, according to Prevent Blindness, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Experts estimate that more than 50% of adults in the United States develop cataracts by age 80.

You may have heard of cataracts but are you aware of the risks or the treatment involved. June is Cataract Awareness Month, which aims to bring attention to this eye disease and prevent vision loss.

Continue reading for some answers to common questions regarding cataracts.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts usually develop when the proteins in the eye's lens either clump together or break down. This makes the lens cloudy and causes vision changes. The lens typically breaks down due to the aging process.

Are there different types of cataracts?

Yes, there are different types of cataracts depending on which part of the lens is affected. For instance, nuclear cataracts affect the center of the lens, while posterior subcapsular cataracts affect the back of the lens. There is also a type of cataract that develops during childhood or that you're born with, called congenital cataracts.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Symptoms of cataracts can come on gradually and often include the following:

• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Problems seeing at night
• Glare sensitivity
• Fading of colors
• Needing brighter light when doing activities such as reading

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Are there identified risk factors for cataracts?

Anyone can develop cataracts. However, certain factors increase the chances of developing the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk factors for developing cataracts include:

• Increasing age
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Excess sun exposure
• Previous eye injury or eye surgery
• Prolonged use of steroid medications
• High blood pressure 

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Is there any way to prevent cataracts?

There is currently no definitive way to prevent cataracts from developing. However, there are certain things you can do to decrease your risk, such as:

• Avoiding smoking
• Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Protecting your eyes from sunlight exposure by wearing sunglasses
• Eating a healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, which provide antioxidants that help promote healthy vision

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What is the treatment for cataracts?

One of the main treatments for cataracts is surgery. During this procedure, the eye surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. Different methods and advances, including laser-assisted procedures, are used in performing cataract surgery.

Does everyone with cataracts require surgery after diagnosis? 

You may not need surgery immediately after being diagnosed with cataracts. If your cataracts are not interfering with daily life or causing any vision issues, surgery may be postponed until problems arise.

Is surgery usually performed one eye at a time?

It is common to have cataract surgery only performed on one eye at a time. Most people opt for one at a time for a few reasons. For example, it takes the eyes time to heal after the procedure. Doing both eyes at the same time can be overwhelming. Most people find it more manageable to do one eye at a time. It also allows your eye surgeon to monitor your progress and adjust treatment for the other eye if necessary.

What is the cataract surgery recovery process like?

Cataract surgery itself is a relatively quick procedure. It typically takes less than 30 minutes per eye. Immediately after surgery, you will wear a protective shield for a few days to protect your eye and promote healing. During the recovery process, you may have some discomfort and blurriness. However, with time, this decreases. Although healing time can vary, according to the Cleveland Clinic, most people fully recover after about four weeks.

If you have any questions about cataracts or cataract surgery, we are happy to help. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.