Most cataracts are related to age — they happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older. But you can get cataracts for other reasons — like after an eye injury or after surgery for another eye problem (like glaucoma).
Trauma-related cataracts are typically the most fast-growing type of cataracts. Radiation: Radiation-related cataracts, sometimes listed under trauma-related cataracts, occur after the lens has been exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can result in clouded vision in as little as two years.
The operation can be performed at any stage of cataract development. There is no need to wait until your cataract is “ripe” before removing it. Most people choose to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision starts to cause them difficulties in everyday life.
In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60, and the average age for cataract surgery in the United States is 73.
Two important vitamins for cataracts are vitamins C and E. Both of these vitamins can treat cataracts, but they can also slow the progression of the cataract and help prevent them. In one study, researchers compared the diets of twins over the age of 60.
Results. Cataract surgery successfully restores vision in the majority of people who have the procedure. People who've had cataract surgery may develop a secondary cataract. The medical term for this common complication is known as posterior capsule opacification ( PCO ).
The Cons of Cataract Treatment
You might experience itching, discomfort, or pain during this process. Swelling and bleeding are also common side effects. It takes about eight weeks to heal from cataract surgery fully. Your eyes will need to adjust to the new lenses after surgery, which can cause discomfort.
Although Original Medicare doesn't cover routine vision care, it does help pay for cataract surgery if it's done using traditional surgical techniques or lasers. This is through Medicare Part B , the medical insurance portion of Original Medicare.
Dehydration can also cause your cataracts to develop more quickly, so drink plenty of water and avoid too much alcohol. Smoking also makes it more likely cataracts will progress, so if you need the motivation to quit, let cataracts be it.
Roughly 51 percent of the world's cases of blindness are the result of cataracts. That's an estimated 20 million people. Much of this is due to the fact that not all regions of the world have access to reliable eye care centers, which means cataract removal surgery cannot be performed.
Common causes of early onset cataracts (below age 40) include having poorly-controlled medical conditions like hypertension, eczema and diabetes, chronic use of steroid medications, previous eye trauma, and family history of early onset cataracts.
Cataracts are common as you grow older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older have had cataracts or cataract surgery to remove their cataracts. Eventually, almost everyone will develop cataracts. You may also be at risk for cataracts if you have a family history of them or if you are diabetic.
Although, the vision loss is only temporary in many cases as long as you rehydrate your body with plenty of water. If you experience constant eye dehydration, this can increase the risks of developing cataracts sooner.
People with low blood levels of antioxidants and those who eat few antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables have been reported to be at high risk for cataracts. Vitamin B2 and vitamin B3 are needed to protect glutathione, an important antioxidant in the eye. Vitamin B2 deficiency has been linked to cataracts.
Much of the cataract-producing damage caused by the sun's UV rays can be prevented by wearing proper sunglasses. Studies show that wearing UV-blocking sunglasses when you're young helps reduce the risks of developing cataracts as you age. The key is selecting sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.
Purpose: Observational studies suggest that higher serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration may be associated with lower risk of cataract.
Orange Juice
This popular drink is rich in vitamin C. Increasing the level of vitamin C in your diet can help reduce your risk of developing cataracts, so starting some of your mornings with a glass of orange juice might be a great way to keep your eyes healthy.
While there is no guarantee that cataract surgery will give you 20/20 vision, with new advances in technology your chances are quite high. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss the benefits of cataract surgery, and determine which type of IOL is right for you.
In general, after cataract surgery people do not need glasses for distance viewing– this means for activities such as driving, golf or watching TV, you should not need to continue wearing glasses. However, in many circumstances people still may need glasses for reading or near work.
Although it's never too late to have a cataract removed, it is better to have cataracts removed while they are immature, as this reduces the length of surgery and the recovery time. Earlier removal also means that you avoid the significant visual impairment associated with very mature (hypermature) cataracts.