June is Cataract Awareness Month By Cornea Associates of Texas on June 22, 2023

As Cornea Associates of Texas recognize Cataract Awareness Month in June 2023, remember the importance of early detection, preventive measures, and available treatment options. By raising understanding and awareness, we can empower individuals to take charge of their eye health and maintain clear vision for years.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens. They can affect one or both eyes and cause blurred vision.

Types

Cataracts can be classified into three types: nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular. Each affects a different part of the lens, but the treatment is the same.

Prevalence

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting millions of people, especially older adults.

Causes of Cataracts

Natural Aging Process

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, and the risk of developing them increases with age.

Genetics

Some people are born with a higher risk of developing cataracts due to their genes.

Lifestyle factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can increase the risk of cataracts.

Symptoms of Cataracts

"Blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights are all symptoms of cataracts. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention."

Blurry Vision

Objects may appear blurry, hazy, or less colorful than usual.

Sensitivity to Light

People with cataracts may experience increased sensitivity to bright light or glare, making it difficult to see clearly.

Seeing Halos or Glare

This can be particularly noticeable when driving at night and can be very dangerous.

Treatment Options for Cataracts

Prescription Glasses

Prescription glasses can help correct vision problems caused by cataracts, but at some point the progression of the cataract limits the benefit.

Surgery

Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

"Cataract surgery today is the safest and most successful surgery performed on the human body. Certainly, our intraocular lens (IOL) technology has advanced over the past several years, but just as important, the actual procedure has become even safer as the technology continues to improve. We quote to patients an overall risk of about 1%, but in my heart, I know the risk is much lower than that. The highlight of my typical week at work is coming in on a Tuesday or Thursday morning to see my patients who had cataract surgery the previous day. They have this big smile on their face and they are often emotional over their new, improved, bright, and clear vision."- Brad Bowman, MD

Lifestyle Changes

Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and wearing sunglasses can help prevent cataracts from developing or worsening.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Early Diagnosis

Regular eye exams can catch cataracts early before they cause significant damage to your vision.

Monitoring Progression

If you've already been diagnosed with cataracts, regular eye exams can help your doctor monitor their progression and determine when surgery is necessary.