The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated June as Cataract Awareness Month. The purpose of this designation is to help educate the public on what cataracts are and how to treat them once they are diagnosed.
\nCataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. This will result in blurry vision, and since less light is being transmitted, objects will appear darker as well.
\nIt is estimated that 25 million people in the United States age 40 and older will be diagnosed with a cataract, and by the time people reach the age of 80, more than half of the population of the United States will be affected with the disease.
\nRisk factors for developing cataracts include:
\n\u2022\u00a0Age
\n\u2022\u00a0Diabetes
\n\u2022\u00a0Smoking
\n\u2022\u00a0Prolonged exposure to sunlight
\n\u2022\u00a0Obesity
\n\u2022\u00a0High blood pressure
\n\u2022\u00a0Hereditary factors
\n\u2022\u00a0Prior eye injuries
\nCataracts are classified by what causes them. Age is the biggest factor, followed by eye trauma, congenital causes and secondary to taking certain medications like steroids.
\nThere are a few ways to lower the risk of developing cataracts, but they may not be completely successful.
\nWearing sunglasses when outdoors
\nA diet rich in vitamin C foods
\nAvoiding smoking
\nTreatment for cataracts involves a surgical procedure which removes the old lens of the eye\u00a0 and replacing it with a synthetic one. It is a very common procedure and considered relatively safe. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated June as Cataract Awareness Month. The purpose of this designation is to help educate the public on what cataracts are and how to treat them once they are diagnosed. Cataracts are a clouding … Continue reading