The longer you live, the more likely it is that you will deal with cataracts. They are, to a large degree, an inevitable part of aging. At Eye Medical Clinic, we focus a great deal of our practice on the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. And since June is Cataract Awareness Month, it’s a great time to take an even closer look at this common vision condition.
Check out these four facts you may not have known about cataracts:
- Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that almost 30 million Americans have cataracts. That’s a lot of folks, and more than twice the total number of people with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration combined! - Cataracts affect more than just the elderly.
Did you know that in rare cases, babies can be born with cataracts? It’s a condition known as congenital cataracts. While it’s true that cataracts most commonly affect older people, you can develop them at any age. The likelihood of developing cataracts doubles in your 50s and doubles again in your 60s. By the age of 80, more than half of Americans have cataracts. - Sun exposure increases your risk of developing cataracts.
If you live in sunny San Jose, you need to know this: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can promote cataract development. Always wear your UV-blocking sunglasses! - Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts.
Cataracts cannot be treated with medication, eye drops or lifestyle changes. They must be surgically removed for vision to be restored. But good news! Modern cataract surgery is a safe and comfortable outpatient procedure. Gone are the days of hospital stays, stitches or eye patches.
Think you might be experiencing the symptoms of cataracts? Take our Cataract Self-Evaluation to find out for sure.
Choose an Experienced Cataract Surgeon
It’s true that cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed today. But it’s still important to choose a surgeon with focused training, a lot of experience, a commitment to the most advanced, proven technology and who has a number of great outcomes as evidence.
Our board-certified ophthalmologists have many years of experience and have helped countless people regain their vision and their lives using modern cataract surgery techniques.
Advanced Technology Lens Implants Offer Opportunity for Visual Freedom
Major advances in lens exchange procedures allow people just like you to continue to live your life the way you want to live it. At Eye Medical Clinic, we offer a variety of Advanced Technology Lens Implants that can correct your cataracts AND get you out of your glasses or bifocals.
Advanced Technology Lenses are considered the gold standard in cataract lens replacements today. During traditional cataract surgery, a clear (monofocal) lens is used to replace the natural lens. This basic lens will allow you to see clearly at only one distance – near, intermediate or far. If you require glasses before your cataract surgery, you will still need them afterwards. Our advanced technology lens implants allow you to see clearly at all distances. Freedom!
If you’re someone who has worn glasses or contacts your whole life, post-cataract surgery vision with a premium lens implant may be considerably better than any vision you’ve ever experienced.
Ready to learn more about cataract surgery at Eye Medical Clinic? Schedule your cataract evaluation today.
