Eye-opening Facts and Myths about Eye Health

If you live long enough, you will get a cataract.

Cataracts can limit the ability to see bright colors, read and, most frighteningly, drive a car – especially at night. Although more than 20 million Americans 40 years and older have a cataract in one or both eyes, there is a surprising lack of knowledge about the condition among U.S. adults. In fact, a recent survey found that 22 percent of Americans did not think that they were at risk for developing cataracts in their lifetime, when in reality, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have cataract surgery by age 80. 

This graphic illustrates similar myths and misconceptions about cataracts and eye health, along with some eye-opening facts. 

© 2013, Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved.

Cataract Rates Rising In U.S.

Here's some more information for you during Cataract Awareness Month. It appears that the rate of cataract diagnosis has risen ~19% in the U.S. since the year 2000. Remember our post from the other day about cataracts? Everyone who lives long enough will develop a cataract! At least 50% of those people who develop cataracts will go on to have surgery, and it's probably also true that if you live long enough you will need your cataract out!

There are some risk factors for cataract growth, especially for early onset of cataracts. Family history is important as is your medical history. Diabetes is a very strong risk factor for the development of cataracts. Exposure to ultraviolet light can also increase not only your risk for developing a cataract, but also the speed with which that cataract may get worse.

Thankfully, cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed, successful, and safest surgery in the United States. Not only is it possible to improve your vision once the cataract has caused it to decrease, but there are also implant options that you can choose that will reduce your need to wear glasses after your cataract surgery like the Crystalens from Bausch & Lomb.

Here's the link for the recent story with info from the AAO. Give us a call at SkyVision Centers if you have any questions about cataracts!

Choosing a Cataract Implant

You've just been told that you have a cataract and that changing your glasses will not make you see any better. The only way you can get better vision is by having cataract surgery. At this point there are two very important questions that you must answer. Number one: when do I wish to see better? As soon as the answer is NOW it's time schedule cataract surgery!

Now you have to answer question number two. Do I want to have to wear glasses? If I DO have to wear glasses after my cataract surgery, WHEN do I want to need to wear glasses? If you really think about it, this is actually pretty cool! You've probably worn glasses for something for many, many years. Either you need to wear glasses to read, or you need to wear glasses to see things far away, like for driving, or you need to wear glasses ALL THE TIME. Now you are about to have cataract surgery and guess what? You can choose NOT to have to wear glasses! How cool is that?!

At Skyvision Centers you have three general choices. A modern, High–Tech BASIC implant will give you fantastic vision, typically much better than you saw prior to your cataract surgery. With this Basic implant you'll need to wear glasses for most, if not all of your vision needs. Our Advanced Distance Vision LIFESTYLE lens implant typically gives you fantastic vision for faraway like driving or watching television. The Advanced Far–Away and Up–Close LIFESTYLE lens implant can make it possible for you to see EVERYTHING without wearing glasses!

So, having a cataract and needing cataract surgery can actually be something very exciting. Especially if you live in Cleveland and you are a Skyvision Centers Patient!