Other than age, what is another common risk factor for cataracts?
CORRECT ANSWER: Obesity and diabetes
Both obesity and diabetes are systemic conditions that put stress on and therefore affects every part of the body, including the eyes. Even if you don’t believe you have any vision problems, people with conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or hypertension (high blood pressure) should see their eye doctor annually for preventative, comprehensive exams.
The phenomenon of temporary improved near vision with a cataract is called:
CORRECT ANSWER: Second Sight
“Second Sight” is a phenomenon that occurs as a result of lens swelling. The swelling of the lens can alter the angle of refraction, allowing light to focus more precisely on the retina resulting in clearer vision. However, it is temporary. As the cataract progresses, second sight is lost and vision continues to deteriorate.
Short of surgery, what can be done to deal with cataracts?
CORRECT ANSWER: Quitting smoking
Research has indicated that tobacco is significantly associated with cataract formation. Removing this habit from your lifestyle has countless benefits, healthier vision being just one of them.
What is done during cataract surgery?
CORRECT ANSWER: The damaged lens is removed and an artificial one is implanted
Cataract surgery is a safe, outpatient procedure that can be performed by your ophthalmologist. The procedure itself is done with local anesthesia and can take as little as 15 minutes. For most patients, vision problems associate with cataracts are resolved within weeks after cataract surgery.
The general success rate of cataract surgery is:
CORRECT ANSWER: 97-98%
Cataract surgery has come a long way, thanks to modern technology such as lasers and IOLs. The artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) that is implanted as part of cataract surgery is a highly-effective, technologically-advanced alternative to your natural lens and yields great, long-lasting results.
Get more information about cataracts here.
If you suspect that you or someone in your family might have a cataract, we are ready to see you and help improve your vision. Call us or request an appointment online.