A cataract is a medical condition of the eye that clouds your vision. It is most often associated with elderly people, although younger people can be afflicted with this disease. Unfortunately, cataracts are the number one cause of vision loss in those over the age of 40 years old. Over 22 million Americans suffer from cataracts, which is quite a substantial number of people.

Cataracts form behind the iris and pupil in a person’s eye. It creates a cloudy view much like looking through a frosted piece of glass. The cataract forms over time, so you will notice a cloudiness forming bit by bit over your visual field. It is unknown as to why cataracts form as we age. But, there are some contributing factors that increase the likelihood of them. This include:

• An eye injury or eye surgery
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Hereditary – if family members have cataracts, you are more likely to have them as well.
• Long-term use of steroids
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Overexposure to sunlight’s UVA/UVB rays
• Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol

There are some things that you can do to avoid cataracts from forming, or at least delay the onset of the condition. Quit smoking, get regular exercise, eat foods with a substantial amount of vitamin E, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, purchase sunglasses that have UVA/UVB protection and wear them on both sunny and cloudy days.

The good news is that if your eyes form cataracts, they can be surgically corrected. Cataract surgery has a proven success record of restoring a patient’s vision back to normal. It is the most widely performed surgery in the United States with over 3 million patients undergoing cataract corrective surgery every year.

If you feel that your vision is changing or is getting cloudy, please reach out to an eye doctor who specializes in cataracts and eye health. Search IPALC.org for an eye doctor in the Lee county area of southwest Florida.