Am I At Risk for Developing Cataracts?
Introduction of cataracts surgery
There is an old myth that only older people can . cataract surgery eye drops .While cataracts do affect more than 24 million Americans age 40 and older, cataracts also occur among young adults or children. While the exact cause of a cataract is unknown, most often, a cataract is part of getting older. However, there are several other ways you can develop a cataract.
According to preventblindess.org, there are four main types of cataract surgery
Age-related – 95% of cataract are age-related, usually after age 40.
Congenital – These are present at birth, usually caused by infection or inflammation during pregnancy; possibly inherited.
Traumatic – Lens damage from a hard blow, cut, puncture, intense heat or chemical burn may cause cataract.
Secondary – Some medicines, eye disease, eye infection, or diseases such as diabetes cause this cataract.
As you age, you are at greater risk of developing a cataract. Other possible risk factors for cataracts include:
- Intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes
- Inflammation in the eye
- Hereditary influences
- Events before birth, such as German measles in the mother
- Long-term steroid use
- Eye injuries
- Eye diseases
- Smoking
If you feel you are at risk for cataracts, here are some of the warning signs:
- Blurred vision
- Dulled, discolored vision
- Double vision
- Difficulty reading, especially without substantial lighting
- Eye pain
- Constant changes in eye prescription
- Sensitivity to glares
- Seeing halos around lights
- Trouble seeing/driving at night
Experiencing one or many of these symptoms for an extended period of time (over a week) could indicate that you are developing, or already have developed, a cataract or other issues in your eye.
If this is you, please contact our office or schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you as soon as possible. This may prevent further vision impairment and loss.
