Your Sight Matters: Cataract Awareness Month

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging and are very common in older people. According to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes and it cannot spread from one eye to the other.

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Colors seem faded
• Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights
• Poor night vision
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye

Although aging is the most common cause of cataracts, there are other risk factors which may include:

• Family history
• Certain medical problems, such as diabetes
• An eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body
• Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Certain medications such as corticosteroids, which may cause early formation of cataracts

Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. Other cataracts can develop more quickly, such as those in younger people or those in people with diabetes. Doctors cannot predict how quickly a person’s cataract will develop.

The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush into surgery.

Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

Cataracts are a very common reason people lose vision, but they can be treated. You and your eye care professional should discuss your cataract symptoms. Together you can decide whether you are ready for cataract surgery.

To schedule an exam at The Eye Institute, call 215.276.6111.