As an effort to bring awareness and additional resources to people with cataracts, Prevent Blindness America has designated the Month of June as National Arthritis awareness month. As the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, cataracts impact 24 million Americans. Prevent Blindness America and Davis Vision Center encourages individuals and other health-related organizations to help provide education about cataracts.
WHAT IS A CATARACT?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens immediately behind the iris and pupil. This clouding causes the light passing through it to be scattered or blocked. As we age, protein may clump together, causing a small area to cloud.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CATARACT?
Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Clouded or blurry vision
- Washed-out colors
- Glare
- Double vision
- Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses
WHAT CAUSES CATARACTS?
Researchers suspect different causes of cataracts. These causes include smoking, diabetes, and wear and tear.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR CATARACTS?
The symptoms of cataracts may be curbed with eyeglasses, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying glasses. If these actions don’t help, surgery may be required.
IS CATARACT REMOVAL SAFE?
Over three million Americans receive cataract surgery, which makes it one of the most common operations. Plus, it’s considered safe and effective. As a qualified cataract surgeon, Dr. Davis performs the surgery with eye numbing drops so our patients are as comfortable as possible. The surgery can be completed in less than an hour.
HOW CAN I PREVENT CATARACTS?
While there is no scientific proof that there’s a way to prevent cataracts, there are certain steps you can take to help reduce your risk of cataracts and maintain your eye health. First, visit your eye doctor regularly to ensure your vision is clear and healthy. Second, eat a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. Finally, protect your eyes from the sun and avoid smoking cigarettes.
SCHEDULE YOUR CATARACT SURGERY CONSULTATION
At Davis Vision Center, we would love to answer any questions you might have or make an appointment to evaluate what would be best for you. Email Robyn at rn@davisvisionmd.com or give us a call at 801-590-0864. We’ll schedule an appointment for you to meet with our highly experienced cataract surgeon to determine how best we can improve your vision.
