Three Things Patients Should Know About Cataracts

American Academy of Ophthalmology shares facts about the eye condition and the surgery used to treat it

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May 16, 2016, 06:06 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which cause cloudy, blurry or dim vision and often develop with advancing age.¹ This June, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is observing Cataract Awareness Month by sharing three things everyone should know about the condition and its treatment.

As everyone grows older, the lenses of their eyes thicken and become cloudier. Eventually, they may find it more difficult to read street signs. Colors may seem dull. These symptoms may signal cataracts, which affect about 70 percent of people by age 75. Fortunately, cataracts can be corrected with surgery. Ophthalmologists, physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care, perform around three million cataract surgeries each year to restore vision to those patients. The following are facts people should know about the condition.

Age isn't the only risk factor for cataracts. Though most everyone will develop cataracts with age, recent studies show that lifestyle and behavior can influence when and how severely you develop cataracts. Diabetes, extensive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and certain ethnicities have all been linked to increased risk of cataracts. Eye injuries, prior eye surgery and long-term use of steroid medication can also result in cataracts. If you have any of these or other risk factors, talk to an ophthalmologist.
Cataracts cannot be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and brimmed hats when outside can help. Several studies suggest that eating more vitamin C-rich foods may delay how fast cataracts form.^2,3 Also, avoid smoking cigarettes, which have been shown to increase the risk of cataract development.
Surgery may help improve more than just your vision. During the procedure, the natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL, which should improve your vision significantly. Patients have a variety of lenses to choose from, each with different benefits. Studies have shown that cataract surgery can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of falling.⁴ If cataracts are interfering with your ability to see well, consider asking your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery.

A life-changing surgery
At age 49, Michael Sargent's vision had become so impaired by cataracts that he couldn't distinguish shapes or colors without his glasses on, even if objects were right in front of him. His ophthalmologist recommended cataract surgery.

"Having the surgery was life-changing," said Sargent, who lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. "I can see everything from the time on my alarm clock to a bird's nest in a tree hundreds of feet away without glasses. It's the most amazing experience I've ever had."

"People often don't realize the huge quality of life benefits of cataract surgery," said Ravi D. Goel, M.D., Sargent's cataract surgeon and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "After having cataract surgery, many of my patients say they wish they hadn't waited so long."

Learn more about cataract symptoms, treatment and types of IOLs at www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts.

Seniors concerned that they may have cataracts may qualify for a no-cost eye exam through EyeCare America, a public service program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. EyeCare America offers eye exams and care at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible seniors age 65 and older. Visit http://www.aao.org/eyecare-america for more information.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit www.aao.org.

¹ https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/cataract
² Genetic and Dietary Factors Influencing the Progression of Nuclear Cataract, Yonova-Doing, et al. Ophthalmology, 2016
³ Inverse Association of Vitamin C with Cataract in Older People in India, Ravindran et al, Ophthalmology, 2011
⁴ Cataract Surgery Cost Utility Revisited in 2012, Brown et al, Ophthalmology, 2013