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Cataracts are a common occurrence among people all around the world; tens of thousands, to be blunt. Having cataracts puts a person at risk of vision loss, so we take the spread of information seriously. If you do not have a good understanding of cataracts, or how they are diagnosed and treated, there is a chance that you could inadvertently put yourself at risk for mismanagement. Here, we want to point out a few of the common fallacies about cataracts so you can avoid unnecessary frustration as you progress in your understanding of your eye health.
- You only get cataracts when you’re old. If you look at statistics, you will see that cataracts do, in fact, primarily affect people older than age 65. However, this does not mean that cataracts are necessarily an age-related eye problem. There is such a thing as a congenital cataract, which is present at birth. Also, general conditions like diabetes can lead to the early development of cataracts.
- Cataracts develop on the surface of the eye. Because the lens of the eye does sit pretty much front and center, we can see why many people perceive cataracts as growths. They aren’t. Cataracts describe the clouding of the eye’s lens, which occurs as proteins accumulate on this part of the eye.
- Cataracts can be removed. This is another common idea about cataracts, largely perpetuated by the term “cataract removal.” If you believe cataracts can be removed, you may be surprised when your eye doctor explains the procedure of removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens or IOL. To remove a cataract means to remove the lens.
- One cataract will lead to another. Some people believe that a cataract can be spread, like a virus or infection. Cataracts develop because the eye’s lens has formed a film of proteins within its structure (not on top). If both eyes develop cataracts, it is due to isolated protein buildup, not spreading.
- Straining the eyes can make cataracts worse. Most people with cataracts notice cloudiness more when they are reading or performing other up-close tasks. This does not mean that cataracts are worsened by those activities, though. Cataracts worsen only as a greater number of cells accumulate on the lens.
We’ve got offices in Reading and Melrose, MA, where we are happy to provide you with friendly care. Contact us to schedule your consultation for cataracts.
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What is a cataract? Many people “of a certain age” deal with this frustrating eye condition where the lens of their eye gradually becomes cloudy, resulting in blurred vision and some vision loss. You may have heard some anecdotes about who gets cataracts and why and what can be done about them. Regardless of what you know or have heard, read on to learn 8 surprising cataract facts:
1.Cataracts can occur in children and young adults, not just older folks.
2.Cataracts in children and young adults are usually associated with some type of risk factor or other health-related event.
3.Cataracts can be present at birth, although this is uncommon.
4.Over 20 million Americans have cataracts, with three million new cases diagnosed each year.
5.Cataracts are most common in men and women over the age of 40.
6.You can get cataracts if you have diabetes or have had an eye injury.
7.Taking vitamins or low does aspirin does not prevent cataracts
8.Cataracts can’t be treated with eye drops or medicines.
What’s the take-away? Cataracts can be successfully treated with surgery.
•Cataract surgery is extremely safe and is up to 95% successful.
•Most people don’t choose to have surgery when they first develop cataracts.
•Surgery is usually the best option when the cataracts begin to cause enough vision loss to interfere with daily activities such as reading, working and driving.
•Your vision will improve in a few days following your cataract removal surgery.
•You will be able resume your normal activities fairly soon, and your vision will continue to improve in the weeks and months following surgery.
Dr. Latina specializes in cataract surgery and is aware of the apprehensions his patients may have about this surgery. He uses the most advanced and precise method of cataract removal, providing optimum results. We invite you to call to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Latina, especially if you believe your eyesight is suffering due to cataracts.
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