Older people often have vision problems that can be blamed on cataracts, considered a normal part of the aging process. Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and eye specialists emphasize that people need to be aware of how cataracts develop and treatment options that can help save their vision. June is Cataract Awareness Month, and providers at Parkland Health & Hospital System are urging people to know how to watch for signs of cataracts developing.
More than 24 million Americans 40 years of age and older currently have cataracts, and it is estimated that cataract treatment costs more than $10 billion a year, making the disease the second costliest eye disorder. Surgery to remove cataracts is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the United States, and also is one of the most successful.
“Cataracts tend to develop as a person gets older, and while there may not be any way to prevent them, we do know there are certain steps you can take to slow the progression of cataract,” said Preston H. Blomquist, MD, Chief of the Ophthalmology Service at Parkland Health & Hospital System and Professor and Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Ophthalmology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “One of the best steps anyone can take to prevent or detect vision problems is to have regular eye exams.”
Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataract formation may be hastened by trauma to the eyes, certain systemic diseases such as diabetes, medications such as corticosteroids, smoking and poor nutrition.
While cataracts tend to develop slowly, there also is a gradual worsening of vision. Symptoms include cloudy, blurry or dim vision; colors that fade; difficulty driving at night because of headlight glare; double or multiple vision; and frequent prescription changes for eyewear.
“While cataracts may be a part of the aging process, there are steps that can be taken to delay or even avoid them,” Dr. Blomquist said.
Some of these measures include:
- Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses and/or a hat.
- Protect your eyes from trauma by using protective eyewear when working with dangerous machinery or chemicals, or playing sports.
- Do not smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish.
- Know that certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease may increase your chances of developing cataracts; let your doctor know about any health disorders.
It may be possible to deal with cataracts during the early stages by changing glasses prescriptions and perhaps using a magnifying glass to improve vision. But surgery may be needed if cataracts interfere with your day-to-day activities.
“The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the safest outpatient procedures performed in the United States,” Dr. Blomquist said. “There are about 3 million cataract surgeries performed yearly and the surgery not only improves vision, but also has significant positive impacts on a person’s quality of life.”
To diagnose cataracts one needs a comprehensive dilated eye exam by an eye professional. Dr. Blomquist recommends that anyone concerned about cataracts ask their primary care physician for a referral to an optometrist. Parkland optometrists are available in the Ophthalmology Clinic located at 5201 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, 75235, and in several Community Oriented Primary Care health centers including Bluitt-Flowers, Garland, Irving, Southeast Dallas and the Employee Physician Office.
