This June is Cataract Awareness Month and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging Americans to gain a greater understand of this debilitating disease. The number of patients who cataracts affects is staggering.
As one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, cataracts can lead to devastating consequences when they go untreated. Also, the longer cataracts go ignored in patients, the more difficult it is to treat them.
According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts currently affect over 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By the age of 75, that number jumps to include over half of all Americans. With these kinds of numbers, it is important to be aware of cataracts and their effects on our eyes.
The good news is that early detection and treatment of cataracts can help retain vision for those who suffer from cataracts. Preserving a patient’s sight is possible with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
With the advancements in medical technology and treatments, one would assume that cataracts are less of an issue today than in the past, but the exact opposite is true. From the year 2000 to 2010, the prevalence of cataracts in America jumped by 20%.
Numbers wise this looked like going from 20 million Americans over the age of 40 suffering from cataracts in 2000 to 24 million in 2010. These kinds of figures are why the AAO is on a mission to inform everyone about the effects of cataracts and what we can do to avoid them.
Treatment of cataracts often involves removal of the clouded eye lens, which is replaced with an artificial implant. This procedure might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but it is now one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures.
Fortunately, many of us have access to adequate eye care here in the US. Others throughout the world are not so lucky. Those of us in this country should take advantage of our position to avoid the consequences of cataracts.
Maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision begins with receiving regular eye examinations from a licensed eye doctor like those at Palmetto Eye & Laser Center. Our professional and friendly staff are well equipped to diagnose and recommend treatment for cataracts.
Call Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or contact the team online today!
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