Common Questions and Answers About Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S., but proper treatment can help decrease a person’s chance of losing their sight. During the month of June, the Academy of Ophthalmology highlights this common eye disease and hopes to bring light to an issue that affects millions of Americans.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens of one’s eye. Patients with cataracts equate the experience to looking through a foggy window or glass. Cataracts increase the difficulty of reading, driving, and studying facial expressions. Most cataracts develop slowly, but if left untreated, can eventually lead to complete blindness.

Is there a Cure for Cataracts?

Cataract treatment is considered a simple procedure that over three million Americans undergo annually. A surgeon removes the deteriorated portion of the lens and replaces it with an artificial lens (intraocular lens). It is considered one of the safest surgeries, with a current success rate of over 95 percent.

Cataracts Only Affect Seniors, Right?

While cataracts are more common in patients over 40, a person can develop them at any age. Eye injury, medical history (i.e. diabetes), smoking, and family history can increase a patient’s chance of developing cataracts. If a history of cataracts runs in your family, it’s important to schedule yearly exams with your eye doctor to ensure that you don’t exhibit symptoms.

How Can I Prevent Cataracts?

Aside from scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam, there are several steps you can take to decrease your risk of cataract development. Patients who enjoy a healthy diet, avoid smoking and wear proper eye protection reduce their risk of age-related cataracts.

Schedule an Eye Exam Today

Here at the Catonsville Eye Group, providing the best patient care is our #1 priority. The professionalism of our doctors coupled with our capable and caring staff, state of the art technology, and extensive frame and lens options are what have made Catonsville Eye Group the first choice for families in our community. We strive to provide the best possible professional care at fair and reasonable prices to our patients in the most courteous way possible!

If you would like to schedule an appointment, order contact lenses, or ask questions about our services at Catonsville Eye Group, please call our office at (410) 747-1221 or email us by clicking this link. We will respond to your request within 24 hours.

We’re located at the heart of the Music City at 611 Frederick Rd., Suite 101. Drop on by, or schedule an appointment today. We’re looking forward to seeing you!