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As we age, our risk for certain eye conditions increases. Cataracts are among the most common eye issues, occurring in half of all individuals over the age of 80. They may appear earlier, however, which is why it’s a good idea to start receiving dilated eye exams every two years if you’re over the age of 60. Discover some additional need-to-know facts about the eye condition below.

What You Should Know About Cataracts

What are they and how do they develop?

Cataract is the clinical term for the cloudy film that develops over the eye’s lens. They often develop slowly as a result of age-related changes. With age, the eye lens becomes more rigid, and its tissue breaks down over time, forming small, cloudy areas.

What are their symptoms?

cataractsIn their earliest stages, cataracts may not produce any symptoms, but an eye doctor may still notice signs of them during a dilated eye exam. As they progress, individuals frequently begin to notice issues like dulled colors, cloudy vision, and the appearance of halos around light sources. Poor night vision is also a common sign of the condition.

Are certain people at greater risk?

These eye issues can develop in anyone but are much more common as age increases. There are other factors that can raise the risk of cataracts, however, including smoking, obesity, long-term exposure to UV rays, high blood pressure, diabetes, and previous eye injury or surgery. 

How are they treated?

Fortunately, effective treatment is available to treat the condition and restore vision. Surgery is currently the only way to remove cataracts that have begun to impair vision. Eye surgeons administer topical or local anesthetics to make the procedure painless. Once the procedure begins, they replace the lens with a new, permanent one to promote clear vision.

 

If you think you may have cataracts, turn to Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight. Serving the greater Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky areas, this eye care center has doctors that specialize in a broad range of eye conditions. The office offers services such as cataract surgery to improve eye health no matter what your age. Find out more about what the treatment entails by visiting their website or call (859) 525-6215 to schedule an appointment. 

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