Everything You Need to Know about Cataracts

June is designated as Cataract Awareness Month!

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 24 million Americans age forty and over are affected by cataracts. Cataracts develop primarily due to normal aging, however, the longer they are left untreated, the more they will affect vision and lead to eventual blindness. That is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology designates June as Cataract Awareness Month and the Hawaiian Eye Center aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of cataracts.

Although you may be familiar with the word, you might be asking the common question: what exactly is a cataract? Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens which bends light rays as they come into the eyes to help us see. A cataract is a cloudy area that forms over the lens inside the eye, causing an inability to focus light and see clearly. Cataracts are not a growth or film over the eye, and in most cases, you can’t see a cataract by looking in the mirror since it occurs inside the eye. Cataracts are most common in those over the age of 60 but can occur at any age.

Though there are multiple causes of cataracts, most occur as we age. Because they are a normal part of the aging process, everyone will eventually develop a cataract if they live long enough. Eye injuries can also be a cause of cataracts. Heredity and lifestyle are another factor that play a major role in the development of cataracts. Smoking and prolonged UV light exposure without proper protection from the sun can cause an onset progression of cataracts. While medical conditions and the medicines used to treat them are also causes of cataracts. This includes diabetics, who are more likely to develop cataracts.

Cataract symptoms can range from minor vision disturbances to severe vision loss, and even in the earlier stages, these symptoms can have a strong effect on your normal activities and lifestyle. The main symptom of cataracts is blurry vision, as it can feel as though you are looking through a cloudy window. Other symptoms of cataracts include:
● Increased sensitivity to light
● Seeing halos around light
● Excessive glare from light sources
● Trouble seeing contrast between colors
● Monocular double vision (seeing double in one eye).
● Fading or yellowing of colors

Though there is not much you can do to prevent cataracts from forming, researchers recommend quitting habits like smoking, using proper eye wear or hats while in the sun, and taking supplements containing modest doses of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Lutein to help slow the progression of worsening cataracts.

Also, fortunately with modern medicine and technology, even if cataracts do develop or cause vision problems, they can be treated and removed with surgery where vision will be restored. Cataract surgery which is one of the most common outpatient procedures performed in the US. The Hawaiian Eye Center specializes in Cataract care and uses the best and most up-to-date techniques for Cataract surgery.

It is important to note that while it usually does no harm to the eye to leave a cataract alone, it does mean vision will worsen with time. Worsening vision increases the risk of injuries due to falls and automobile accidents. Waiting too long to remove the cataract can also make the surgery more difficult for the surgeon, increasing the risk of complications during surgery. Because of this, we advise that cataracts be diagnosed and removed when vision becomes blurred, or quality of life is affected.

The Hawaiian Eye Center specializes in cataract care and offers a range of personalized cataract treatments and surgery to restore clear vision. With the advice of our specialists, you will be the one best suited to make the decision for cataract removal. As Steve Rhee, head ophthalmologist of Hawaiian Eye Center and cataract specialist, states “We want all our patients to be able to make smart decisions when it comes to picking the right cataract treatment for their needs. We understand eye procedures can be intimidating, and that is why we pride ourselves on offering the latest techniques and technology for cataract care to make sure our patients are best cared for.” If you have a question about cataracts, or would like to view a virtual tour of a cataract procedure along with information on what to know and what to expect, please give us a call at one of our locations.