June is Cataract Awareness Month! The Optometrists of Colorado want to make you aware of this common and natural part of aging. Did you know, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world? It’s true! In fact, in the U.S.,  nearly 70% of people over the age of 75 have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery¹. You might be wondering “what is a cataract?” A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that can affect one or both eyes resulting in reduced clarity. To keep your vision healthy and clear, it is important to get an annual comprehensive eye exam, especially if you are over the age of 55! 

Risk Factors 

Certain lifestyles and genetics can play a factor in your risk of cataract development. 

• Family history of cataracts 
• Excessive exposure to sunlight 
• Smoking 
• High blood pressure 
• Diabetes 
• Obesity 

Thankfully, you can combat some of the risk factors by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses to avoid excess sunlight exposure. Also, eating a balanced diet with foods high in Vitamin C while also partaking in a healthy and balanced lifestyle! 

Diagnosis 

To determine whether you have a cataract, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, and perform an eye examination. Your doctor may conduct several tests, including: 

• Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test uses an eye chart to measure how well you can read a series of letters. Using a chart or a viewing device with progressively smaller letters, your eye doctor determines if you have 20/20 vision or if your vision shows signs of impairment. 
• Slit-lamp examination: A slit lamp allows your eye doctor to see the structures at the front of your eye under magnification. The microscope is called a slit lamp because it uses an intense line of light, a slit, to illuminate your cornea, iris, lens, and the space between your iris and cornea. The slit allows your doctor to view these structures in small sections, which makes it easier to detect any tiny abnormalities. 
• Retinal exam: To prepare for a retinal exam, your eye doctor puts drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. This makes it easier to examine the back of your eyes, otherwise known as the retina. Using a slit lamp or a special device called an ophthalmoscope, your eye doctor can examine your lens for signs of a cataract². 
• Glare testing: This test re-creates the effects of headlights to see if that kind of light reduces your best corrected vision. 

If you notice clouding in your eye and blurring in your vision, make an appointment with an eye doctor. 

Treatment 

Cataract surgery is quick and nearly painless. The surgery can be done in around 30 minutes and is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. During the surgery, your doctor will remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), this will significantly improve your blurred vision! There is a very high success rate for this surgery, leaving patients with improved quality of life. The good news is that cataract surgery with basic lens replacement is often covered by Medicare and other insurance companies.  

Ultimately, cataracts are natural and very common! It’s important to keep your eyes healthy and vision clear for the best possible quality of life, and eye doctors are able to help with this. Find a doctor near you, so you can ensure you’re seeing your best!

References:

1. https://iconeyecare.com/eye-care-blog/10-cataract-facts-cataract-awareness-month/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353795https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/uv-protection?sso=y