Cataracts And What You Need To Know About Them
There is a lot of information about cataracts that many individuals are unaware of. While most individuals do know that cataracts can obstruct their vision, they may not know why. For instance, a cataract makes the lens of the eye cloudy or opaque and thereby obstructs a person’s vision. Individuals with cataracts commonly suffer with blurred, cloudy, or double vision. Furthermore, they may have decreased color vision and increased glare at night.
Causes of Cataracts
Lasik surgeons in Chicago are often asked what causes cataracts by patients who want corrective vision surgery, but may have to wait because of them. In some cases, people are born with cataracts meaning they’re congenital. However, there are also “traumatic” cataracts or those that develop as a result of an eye injury. Steroids have also been known to promote cataract growth. However, in most cases, cataracts are products of the natural aging process. You need to get them operated upon and surgically removed to see clearly.
When do Cataracts develop?
Cataracts typically develop after a person reaches 50 years of age, although they can begin to form at any age. For instance, some individuals reach their 80’s or 90’s before developing cataracts. Research studies have shown that the combination of a person’s genetic make-up and lifestyle determines the age at which they start developing. But if you live long enough, you will eventually develop them. Interestingly enough, cataracts oftentimes contribute to whether or not Lasik surgery in Chicago will be possible.
Can Cataracts be prevented?
Since they are a product of the natural aging process, you cannot prevent cataracts from forming. However, since certain elements can promote their growth, there are certain precautions you can take to delay the development of cataracts such as:
Although these may all help postpone the development of cataracts, it’s still a good idea to have an eye exam once a year.
Is Lasik Surgery an Option?
In most cases, Lasik surgery in Chicago will not fix cataract-based vision loss. Plus, cataract surgery eventually becomes a person’s only option since they get worse over time. Consequently, Lasik surgery is not recommended if you currently suffer with cataracts. While there are always exceptions to every rule, it is possible to have a Lasik procedure in Chicago performed once you’ve had cataract surgery. Furthermore, if you have astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness, you can have these corrected during your cataract surgery. For more information visit here: Kraff Eye Institute
Causes of Cataracts
Lasik surgeons in Chicago are often asked what causes cataracts by patients who want corrective vision surgery, but may have to wait because of them. In some cases, people are born with cataracts meaning they’re congenital. However, there are also “traumatic” cataracts or those that develop as a result of an eye injury. Steroids have also been known to promote cataract growth. However, in most cases, cataracts are products of the natural aging process. You need to get them operated upon and surgically removed to see clearly.
When do Cataracts develop?
Cataracts typically develop after a person reaches 50 years of age, although they can begin to form at any age. For instance, some individuals reach their 80’s or 90’s before developing cataracts. Research studies have shown that the combination of a person’s genetic make-up and lifestyle determines the age at which they start developing. But if you live long enough, you will eventually develop them. Interestingly enough, cataracts oftentimes contribute to whether or not Lasik surgery in Chicago will be possible.
Can Cataracts be prevented?
Since they are a product of the natural aging process, you cannot prevent cataracts from forming. However, since certain elements can promote their growth, there are certain precautions you can take to delay the development of cataracts such as:
- decreasing alcohol consumption
- increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat
- maintaining a healthier lifestyle
- quitting smoking
- wearing UV 400 protection strength sunglasses
Although these may all help postpone the development of cataracts, it’s still a good idea to have an eye exam once a year.
Is Lasik Surgery an Option?
In most cases, Lasik surgery in Chicago will not fix cataract-based vision loss. Plus, cataract surgery eventually becomes a person’s only option since they get worse over time. Consequently, Lasik surgery is not recommended if you currently suffer with cataracts. While there are always exceptions to every rule, it is possible to have a Lasik procedure in Chicago performed once you’ve had cataract surgery. Furthermore, if you have astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness, you can have these corrected during your cataract surgery. For more information visit here: Kraff Eye Institute