Experience

Experience is a keen knife that hurts while it extracts the cataract that blinds. (J. De Finod)

 

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts affect the vision loss more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. More than 70% of adults will get cataracts at some point in their lifetime.  It is the principal cause of blindness in the world today.

Cataracts can happen for those who are diabetic, are obese, smoke, genetics, have done hormone replacement therapy, had previous eye surgery, significant alcohol consumption, taken statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol, and hypertension. . Here are some facts you should know about cataracts:

1. The majority of adults will get cataracts in their lifetime: Many people believe that cataracts only affect senior citizens, so you may be surprised to learn that this condition can impact people of all ages. While cataracts are most common among people over 65, they can also develop among younger people – even babies. Early developments of cataracts typically stem from certain systemic medications such as prednisone, or other health issues such as diabetes. Because of this possibility of early development, it’s important to have your eyes checked out by an ophthalmologist if you suspect you’re suffering from the condition (regardless of your age). Some experts even recommend checking kids for cataracts by age two.

2. Cataracts may be difficult to recognize: Cataracts produce mistiness in the natural lens of your eye. This is a part that typically helps to focus light on your retina and form images. When this lens turns cloudy, images become less clear. For this reason, you may experience cloudy or blurry vision, faded colors, or halos with a cataract. However, because cataracts develop slowly, you may not immediately realize your vision is failing with this condition. Instead of weakened acuity, many people begin to experience high sensitivity to glare or bright lights, or have trouble driving due to poor night vision. If you start to notice either of these symptoms – even if eyesight feels normal – it may be worth visiting a medical professional to act early against cataracts.

3. Advances in technology have expanded cataract care options: Over the past few years, new developments in technique, such as intraoperative antibiotics have improved safety in surgeries even more. Newer intraocular lenses are now being implanted, which can reduce or eliminate astigmatism, and in selected patients can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. Traditionally, physicians have been required to prescribe significant eye drop regiments for patients after cataract surgery. These complicated patient-administered regiments are often confusing and can lead to non-compliance and incorrect dosing. Cost also plays a factor – eye drops, even generic eye drops, can be expensive to purchase.

4. Cataract surgery is safe, consistent, and produces immediate results: “Cataract surgery is very safe. Although no surgery is without risk, over 98% of cataract surgeries are completed without serious complications, and results are immediate. Many people hesitate to pursue treatment due to cataract surgery’s reputation of being painful, inconvenient, and accompanied by long recovery times. However, current-day cataract surgery is often a positive, easy, and fast experience for most patients. Cataract patients are able to undergo surgery with a light sedative and local anesthetic with no overnight stay at the hospital required. The surgery itself lasts only 30 minutes and patients are discharged just one hour after the procedure is complete. With just a few days of post-operative recovery time, patients are able to see anew. “It’s incredible to speak with patients after they’ve completed cataract surgery. Some feel they have high definition vision. Others share new experiences of being able to see at night and appreciate the vibrancy of colors around them. No matter what age, the improvement in sight is dramatic.

“Cataract is the third biggest cause of blindness.  Religion and politics remain the first two.” (Anonymous)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Cataracts” by Gretchyn Bailey

·        “Facts about Cataract” by the National Eye Institute

·        “Get the Facts on Cataracts: Everything You Need to Know about This Common Eye Condition” by Dr. Timothy Denman