Cataract Awareness Month

Cataract Awareness Month | Florida Eye Specialists

In an effort to reach those living with undiagnosed vision problems, June has been designated as Cataract Awareness Month. Cataracts can cause serious vision issues, but help is available for those who experience this very common problem.

Millions of Americans are living with vision loss caused by cataracts

A comprehensive report from Prevent Blindness America recently underlined what a serious and widespread problem cataracts are throughout the U.S. According to research published in the report, over 24 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from cataracts, one of the most common causes of vision problems in the country.

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and they can cause vision problems that range from relatively mild to near-total blindness. Aging is the primary cause of cataracts, so they typically (although not exclusively) have a greater chance of occurring in older patients. You can think of cataracts as being similar to a smudge on the lens of your camera. When it’s small it can slightly obscure the picture and make it cloudy, but if the buildup accumulates it will significantly hamper the camera’s ability to take a clear picture.

Proper treatment is the vital for restoring vision

While cataracts are prevalent, there are thankfully treatment options to remove them. The effects of some very mild cataracts can be countered by changing your eyewear prescription, but they will often keep progressing to a point that makes this unfeasible. In these cases, cataract surgery is the most common treatment option.

Cataract surgery is so common, in part, because it is exceedingly safe, fast, and effective. The surgery carries approximately a 95% success rate, and major complications as a result of cataract surgery are very rare. Also, the procedure can be performed in about 15 minutes, and patients are usually able to resume their normal routine (while taking it easy, of course) by the next day. In cataract surgery, the surgeon first removes the damaged lens and then replaces it with an artificial lens implant, restoring the patient’s vision quality.

There are a wide range of replacement lens options available, which is why Florida Eye Specialists provides a dedicated Cataract Consultant for any patient in need of cataract surgery. Our consultant will talk you through the entire process and help you decide on the best lens option for you.

In addition to the lens replacement option, there are also a wide variety of laser cataract options available. At Florida Eye Specialists, we use the Femtosecond LenSx laser which reduces the energy, fluid and time for your cataract surgery. The result is a gentler procedure with less manipulation of the eye. Contact us today to see if you are a candidate for laser cataract surgery. 

Stay ahead of the problems caused by cataracts

It’s often difficult for patients to spot cataracts because they develop slowly and are usually painless. Instead, look for symptoms such as blurring of vision, fading of colors, or light sensitivity to indicate the possible presence of a cataract. If you find that you are frequently having to change your eyewear prescription in order to correct your vision problems, cataracts could be the cause.

If you think that you or a loved one may be suffering from a cataract, don’t wait any longer for a diagnosis. Contact the experienced cataract surgeons at Florida Eye Specialists to find out if you are a candidate for cataract surgery. Learn how you can repair your vision with just a simple procedure.

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