This Month is Cataracts Awareness Month: Schedule your Eye Examination in Houston Now

A surprising number of individuals aren't aware that cataracts are the number one culprit for sight loss among those over 54. In reality, over half of senior citizens have some amount of cataracts.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's clear lens. This prohibits the passage of light necessary for proper eyesight.

Symptoms of cataracts

Cataracts are often mistaken as normal age-related vision loss, however there are some symptoms to look for that characterize them. Depending on the type of cataract, you may experience slightly blurred vision, increased glare from light or a decrease in the brightness of color. Some types of cataracts show no signs until they are more advanced while others may even show signs of a short-lived improvement in near vision known as ''second sight''.

Categorizing Cataracts

There are three types of cataracts which are differentiated by where they are located within the lens. A cataract positioned at the back of the lens is called a subcapsular cataract. Subcapsular cataracts are particularly common in people that have diabetes, high farsightedness or retinitis pigmentosa or are taking high doses of steroid medications. A cataract found in the center (nucleus) of the lens is categorized as a nuclear cataract and is typically associated with growing older. The third type of cataract, a cortical cataract generally occurs in the cortex of the lens, the part encircling the nucleus. Cortical cataracts are characterized by cloudy blotches that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the central area.

Cataract Prevention and Treatment

Researchers have not found guaranteed ways to prevent cataracts but some say that reducing ultraviolet exposure your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses can reduce cataract development. Some studies indicate that antioxidants and limiting consumption of salt may also prevent development.

Although early vision loss can be helped with vision correction such as glasses or magnifying devices, at some point vision may be impaired to a level to necessitate surgical treatment. Cataract surgery is in fact the most common surgery in the United States and is typically a success. In the standard surgery, the surgeon takes out the opaque lens and implants an intraocular lens (IOL) made of plastic. In 9 out of 10 patients, nearly perfect vision is achieved.

If you are 40 or over you should book a yearly eye exam to check for signs of eye diseases such as cataracts. Call our Houston, TX optometry practice today to schedule an appointment.

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