Risk Factors for Cataract

Risk for Cataract Increases with Age, but Other Factors Also Contribute.

With age come new health challenges, especially for vision. Today, more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have cataract, a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye.  According to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

The risk of developing a cataract increases with age. Other possible risk factors include:

• Intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Inflammation in the eye
• Hereditary influences
• Long-term steroid use
• Eye injuries
• Other eye diseases
• Smoking

Early symptoms of cataract may include cloudy or blurry vision.  Lights may cause a glare, seem too dim or seem too bright.  Patients may also find it difficult to read or drive, especially at night, or may have to change his or her eyeglass prescription often.

Unfortunately, there are no medications or other treatment options besides surgery to correct cataract.  However, in the United States, cataract surgery has a 95 percent success rate, generally resulting with patient’s vision of 20/20 to 20/40.  And, it is the most frequently performed surgery, often performed as an outpatient procedure.

“By getting a complete, dilated eye exam, your doctor can discuss with you the best strategy to protect your vision well into the future,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We encourage everyone, especially those ages 40 and older, to make their vision a priority by scheduling an eye appointment today.”

Read the original article on preventblindness.com

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