June Is Cataract Awareness Month

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are nearly 25 million Americans over the age of 40 with cataracts.

Did you know:

1) Smoking increases your risk of cataracts as well as other health concerns.

2) Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses when you’re young helps reduce the risks of developing cataracts as you age. Find a fashionable pair of sunglasses especially as summer quickly approaches.

3) Cataract can occur in babies and children. Approximately 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. Thankfully, cataract surgery can often help these little ones.

4) Genetics, metabolic disorders like diabetes, and eye injuries can all cause cataracts. Controlling blood sugar and free radical damage with antioxidants in your diet may be helpful.

5) There are different types of cataracts including, but not limited to, Nuclear Sclerotic, Cortical, Posterior Subcapsular, and even one called a CHRISTMAS TREE. They may all impact your vision differently or in the early stages, not at all. Early detection and intervention often make the removal easier and minimizes the risk complications.

6) By the age of 80, more than HALF of all Americans will have cataracts. Many of these patients also have dry eye disease and should be evaluated and treated prior to cataract surgery for optimal post-op results and best visual outcomes.

In fact, one of the ideal modern treatments is called OptiLight IPL, which can help manage dry eye as well as elevate the results of cataract surgery.