Cataracts Continue to Plague the Population

Macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy all get headline press for their detrimental effects on our vision.

But cataracts affect more of our population than the other eye problems, according to “Prevent Blindness America.”  According to recent results released in June 2011, over 22 million Americans have cataracts.  It is estimated to increase to 30 million cases by 2020.

June was made the national “Cataracts Awareness Month” in order to educate more people about modes of prevention, signs and symptoms and treatments for cataracts.

Thankfully, cataracts are highly treatable.  The success for cataract removal surgery is the most practiced surgery in the United States.  As with all health care challenges, not everyone can access treatment as soon as they would like, or may have financial challenges in obtaining the surgery as soon as they need it.

Signs and symptoms of cataract growth include: double vision, blurriness, difficulty seeing in low light and sensitivity to light. 

Cataracts may be preventable through lifestyle modification.  Actions steps you and your loved ones can take, starting today, to prevent the growth of cataracts include:

• Heredity- not much can be done to reverse this! But, you can keep on top of potential progression of cataracts through consistent eye appointments.
• Smoking
• UV light – Prevent damage from UV light by using UV protective glasses
• Diabetes – By keeping tight control on blood sugar levels, people with diabetes can help to prevent disease progression of cataracts
• Steroid injections- contribute to a quick progression of cataracts

The experts tell us that cataracts will affect nearly everyone in old age.  Cataracts do not become a problem until they begin to impair vision.  Then, surgery is discussed and followed through with. 

However, by avoiding practices that contribute to cataracts, many of us may retain optimal vision for many years longer than if we were careless with our eye health.

Don’t suffer with loss of vision due to cataracts!  Removing cataracts will help restore your vision and give you back a greater joy in life!  Call us at 520-441-6508. 

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Author Dr. Zuraida Zainalabidin is H2T’s lead optometrist. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and, during her final year, acted as an Optometry Tech at the national optometry chain, Lenscrafters. After finding her interest in optometry, she completed required scientific courses at DePaul University in Chicago and then undertook her four-year optometry college course work at Illinois College of Optometry. Upon graduation, she continued working with Lenscrafters as an optometrist in Chicago. Originally from Malaysia, she migrated to Arizona for warmth and a more relaxed atmosphere.