As you age, you will find your eyesight changing in many ways. For most of us, that simply means an onset of presbyopia, or the aging of eyes that causes us to become more nearsighted. But thousands of others develop a more serious condition called cataracts. If cataracts are left untreated they will eventually cause blindness, but modern ophthalmology has found a treatment for cataracts.
Cataracts are a condition of the lens where a cloudy or milky substance covers the lens, blurring or blocking vision. Cataracts are most common in older individuals but may develop at any age.Cataracts are a progressive condition which worsens without treatment. The most effective treatment is to replace the lens of the eye entirely. The technology for replacing the ocular lens has only become available within the last few decades, but is a relatively safe procedure with a very high success rate.
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Cause of Cataracts
Like many eye problems, there is no single cause for cataracts. However, there are many contributors which may cause cataracts either early or late in life. Some of the most common contributing causes or risk factors of cataracts include:
- Aging – the most common contributing factor, many individuals simply seem to develop cataracts because they are advanced in life
- Diabetes – metabolic problems can lead to cataracts
- Eye injury – most common cause of cataracts in children and young individuals
- Eye disease – some diseases like glaucoma can lead to cataracts
- UV overexposure or frequent cranial X-rays – exposure to outside factors can promote or cause cataracts
Preventing cataracts is not a single step that you can follow, but protecting your health will help delay the onset of cataracts. You can avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet, and seek prompt treatment for other health problems to help prevent the development of cataracts.
Treatment for Cataracts
For many individuals, preventing cataracts is out of the question because they have already developed. However, if treated early, cataracts can be replaced by intraocular lenses, or IOLs, often with Crystalens IOLs or ReSTOR® lenses. Even advanced cataracts can be treated. Visiting Dr. Kelly for a consultation can let you know if you are a good candidate for lens replacement surgery.
If you are in the New York City area and suffer from cataracts, your condition may be treatable. Please contact cataract surgeon Dr. James Kelly today to learn more about cataract treatmentavailable to patients in Long Island and Manhattan, New York.