A cataract is when the body’s natural lens becomes cloudy and no longer allows light to be properly focused on the retina inside the eye. A cataract is painless, but can block light making it difficult to see and eventually can lead to blindness if not treated.
The most common causes of cataracts in the eye is simply the aging process. Age related cataracts tend to develop gradually. There are other circumstances that may accelerate the progression of cataracts such as family history of cataracts, certain medical conditions, prior eye injuries, certain medications or a previous eye surgery.
There are several different symptoms that one can experience when a cataract is present. They range from blurred vision or frequently changing eye glass prescription, to light sensitivity.
Cataracts are very common in older people. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 50 percent of US adults over age 65 have age-related cataracts. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
An individual can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts cause problems with a person’s vision.
For a full list of symptoms, or options for cataract removal, please visit advancedeyeinsitute.com or feel free to call our office to set up a cataract consultation. We are here to help and answer any questions you may have! Don’t let a cataract cloud your summer!