Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision changes worldwide, particularly among older adults. June is Cataract Awareness Month, where we bring awareness and educate patients about prevention, early detection, and effective treatment options to help preserve your vision.
Cataracts occur when a normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This clouding develops over time and can affect one or both eyes. If you have a cataract you might start to notice blurred or dim vision, increased sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, faded colors, and frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. Many patients describe their vision as looking through a foggy window.
A lot of the time people get cataracts as they become older but there are different factors that can put you at risk for developing cataracts. Some risk factors are diabetes, smoking, family history of cataracts, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, long-term steroid use, and prior eye injury or surgery. While cataracts cannot always be prevented, there are several things you can do to decrease your risk or slow down the worsening of your cataracts. You can wear UV-protective sunglasses, making sure your diabetes is well controlled, and avoid tobacco use.
You should have your eyes examined regularly, especially after the age of 60. They will test your vision and look at your lens to look for cataracts. You should report any vision changes to your eye doctor so they can look for cataracts or any other issues. If cataracts are caught early enough, you can manage them without surgery. You can get updated eyeglasses to help your vision. However, if your vision changes start to interfere with your daily activities such as reading, driving, or ability to recognize faces, then you need to see an eye doctor to discuss surgery to remove the cataract.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed. Your cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The procedure is typically performed out of the hospital with a short recovery period. Most patients experience a lot of improvement in vision after surgery.
Cataract Awareness Month serves as a reminder that vision health is an important part of overall well-being. Through education, prevention, and access to care, you can help protect your vision as you get older.
Dr. Nicole Fakes is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Grangerland, Huntsville, Magnolia, Spring and Willis, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
