Why Are Cataracts So Common as We Age?

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Cataracts in Wilmington NC is a common, yet serious, eye condition that causes the lenses of the eyes to become cloudy. The cloudiness makes it difficult to see people and objects clearly, whether up close or at a distance.

Anyone can develop this condition, but it is much more common as people age. Over 24 million Americans aged 40 and over currently have cataracts, and the risk increases significantly by age 55. By the time you reach age 80, you have a 50 percent chance of developing cloudy vision.

Non Age-Related Causes of Cataracts

Please schedule an appointment with Paul Vision Institute as soon as possible if you have any of the conditions or engage in any of the lifestyle habits listed below.

  • Diabetes
  • Family history of cataracts
  • High blood pressure
  • Long-term use of eye drops and other steroidal medications
  • Past eye injuries
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Left untreated, cataracts can cause glaucoma, partial to complete vision loss, or severe eye inflammation.

The Role of Aging and Cataracts

According to the National Library of Medicine, all people experience oxidative damage in their eyes as they age. Because of this, some optometrists and ophthalmologists consider age-related cataracts to be unavoidable. Changes occur in either the cortex, nucleus, or posterior pole in people who develop the condition.

You may not be able to prevent cataracts entirely, but your lifestyle choices can decrease its severity and increase the age of diagnosis. For example, stop smoking if you smoke, lose weight if needed, and manage your diabetes or high blood pressure if you have those conditions. Coming in for regular eye exams is also critical.

Surgery is currently the only treatment available for cataracts. Please reach out to Paul Vision Institute to reserve a time to come in and learn more aboutcataracts in Wilmington NC.

What Happens After Your Cataract Diagnosis?

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It can be shocking to learn you have cataracts. But the first thing to keep in mind is that they’re pretty easy to treat. Your eye doctor in Wilmington, NC, has different options for treating cataracts that will help improve or restore your vision. But it’s interesting to know exactly what cataracts are, what causes them, and how they’re diagnosed.

Cataracts Are Cloud-Like Films

Cataracts are cloudy films that form over the lenses of your eyes. Each eye has a lens that’s positioned behind the iris, and its purpose is to focus light on the retina so you can see images clearly. When something happens to inhibit the way your lens focuses this light, it becomes difficult to see. In the event of cataracts, a milky-white film forms over the surface, which can worsen over time if left untreated.

Cataracts Are Usually Caused by Injury or Normal Aging

If you’ve suffered an eye injury at some point in your life, or if you’ve had eye surgery, you may be more prone to developing cataracts. Or, sometimes, people simply develop cataracts as they age. Some diseases, such as diabetes, may also put you more at risk. You may first notice the signs of cataracts if you need more and more light to see clearly at night. Cataracts may also cause you to see ‘halos’ or ‘auras’ around bright lights. Also, if things appear smoky or hazy throughout the day, it could be a cataract that’s to blame.

Treatment for Cataracts Involves Simple Surgery

In most instances, your eye doctor can resolve cataracts through simple eye surgery that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial one. Cataract surgery is extremely common, and recovery times are short. Generally, it’s considered a very safe treatment. Usually, the procedure can be done in-office on an outpatient basis, and you can return home the same day. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, however.

If you’ve recently been informed that you have cataracts in Wilmington, NC, schedule an appointment with Paul Vision Institute today. We’re happy to sit down with you to discuss your options for treatment.