Did you know that 50% of American over the age of 80 have cataracts? Or that more than 20 million Americans over the age of 40 are affected by cataracts? While injury or disease can cause cataracts in younger people, the fact is that most will develop cataracts in their later years as a result of aging. Unfortunately though, most people who are developing or have cataracts currently don’t even realize it. Because you or a loved one will most likely be affected by cataracts at some point, here are a few things you should know:
Cataracts Explained
The lens of the eye, which sits directly behind the iris, helps focus light on the retina. Similar to the way a camera works, the more light that can enter through the lens, the better the exposure of the picture. When the right amount of light enters the human eye, it produces the best image. However, the clouding of that lens as the result of a buildup of protein is called a cataract. This clouding is usually caused by aging, excessive light exposure, genetics or injury. Cataracts prevent light from entering the eye, and just like when a camera doesn’t have enough light, the image is washed out, blurry, or cloudy. If cataracts advance to the latest stages, they can eventually cause complete blindness.
If you or a loved one is over 60 and suspect cataracts because of impaired vision, contact Davis Vision. With a simple outpatient procedure, our cataract patients can be back to seeing nearly perfectly, and can enjoy great vision for the rest of their lives.
