Over half of Americans have cataracts by the time they are 80 years old. Cataracts can greatly obstruct visual ability. Cataracts are defined as a clouding of the lens in the eye or the clear part of the eye. Are there preventative measures we can take when it comes to cataracts? What are the treatment options for those who already have cataracts in The Woodlands, TX and other areas? What do the different treatment options involve?
There definitely are some preventative measures people can take to lower their risk of developing cataracts. First of all, you should definitely get an eye exam that can detect cataracts in The Woodlands, TX regularly. How do comprehensive eye examinations detect cataracts? They detect them through evaluation of the lens, measurements of acuity to determine visual clarity at near and far distances, evaluation of the retina through a pupil dilation, refraction, measurement of pressure within the eye, and evaluating patients’ histories. Early detection is always good when dealing with ailments that affect well-being. In addition, just the act of wearing sunglasses can play a part in protecting your eyes from cataracts. Studies have consistently shown that good nutrition can provide a significant amount of aide in preventing cataracts. Antioxidants contained in fruit, green leafy vegetables, and other nutritious foods can help prevent cataracts in The Woodlands, TX as well as many other cities in the U.S. Smoking is a known contributing cause of this ailment. Do not smoke or drink alcohol excessively as they have been linked to the development of cataracts.
How do you treat cataracts in The Woodlands and other cities plagued by the ailment? In less severe cases, changing the prescription of one’s eyewear can improve their vision for a somewhat prolonged period of time. When cataracts interfere with someone’s ability to perform everyday tasks, the treatment option involves surgery. There are two different common types of surgery when it comes to cataracts in The Woodlands, TX and throughout the U.S. Small incision cataract surgery involves a tiny incision in or near the cornea and the insertion of a thin ultrasound probe. This probe exerts vibrations that dissolve the lens that has become clouded by the cataract into microscopic pieces. The tiny pieces are then sucked out through the same probe used to exert vibrations. Once the cataract is removed, an artificial lens takes the place of the lens clouded by the cataract. This lens helps your eye focus after the surgical removal of your eye’s essential lens. The second surgical technique known as extra capsular surgery involves a larger incision in or near the cornea. In this procedure, the lens is removed as one piece instead of being dissolved into smaller pieces before being removed. They eye doctor that performs the procedure will know which technique to use based on the severity of the problem.
In conclusion, cataracts are a real problem for several people in the United States today. There are several preventative measures you can take to avoid getting them. There are also highly effective treatments and techniques to remove cataracts or help people manage their lives with less invasive cataracts in The Woodlands, TX and throughout the country. Surgical removal of cataracts has been reported to have a 90% success rate which can be translated by saying the 90% of those who have had cataracts surgically removed see better after the procedure. Contact your nearby optometrist about how to prevent or treat cataracts in The Woodlands, TX.