Part of the aging process involves changes in vision, so it's important to monitor ocular health as part of a comprehensive health plan. Luckily, many vision impairments, such as cataracts, are easy to identify and treat.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural, internal lens of the eye, leading to increasing blurriness in sight. Cataracts are painless, but if they progress without cataract surgery, they can lead to blindness.
Causes of Cataracts
Cataracts are caused by a buildup of protein in the lens of the eye, making it difficult to see. As new lens cells are produced, the old ones become compressed in the center, resulting in the cataract. Cataracts are typically related to growing older, as more than 50 percent of Americans over the age of 65 have them. However, other factors such as diabetes, smoking, UV radiation, and eye injuries can also contribute to cataracts.
Treatment
Often, simply prescribing glasses is enough to restore vision to a cataracts patient. However, cataract surgery is sometimes necessary. This procedure is one of the safest surgeries performed and is often done on an outpatient basis.