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Vision Care Center | Cataracts |
Cataracts Awareness Facts
Cataracts are very common, especially among people age 40 and older.
A
cataract is a clouding of the eye's clear lens. This prevents the
passage of light needed for vision.
Cataracts are a significant cause of blindness in some parts of the
world; however, technological advances and the availability of new
procedures mean that for many people, cataracts don't lead to vision
loss.
New
advances and techniques have made cataract surgery one of the most
successful and life-improving surgical procedures. The surgeon will make
a tiny incision through which he or she removes the cloudy lens and
replaces it with a permanent artificial lens.
Lasers
are not currently used to remove cataracts. But they are sometimes used
after cataract surgery to remove a film that can grow on the lens
implant.
If you think you may have a cataract, you don't have to live with it.
Talk to your eye doctor about your options.
There
are no medications or exercises that will prevent the formation or
progression of cataracts or make a cataract disappear.
Nutritional or vitamin supplements have been shown to be beneficial in
populations with nutritional deficits, but due to the inconsistent
results reported in clinical trials, recommendations cannot be made at
this time.
Although
it is very safe and effective, cataract surgery is surgery and you need
to carefully decide if it is right for you. If the cataract does not
interfere with your life, you may decide surgery is not warranted.
Talk to
your eye doctor, if cataracts are interfering with your lifestyle.
Source: American Academy of
Ophthalmology, Eye M.D.s
Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other
healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health
condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you
should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your
condition once it has been diagnosed.
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