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Waiting for a Cataract to “Ripen” is Still the Most Common Misconception about Cataracts
Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon provides expert advice to promote eye health
PHOENIX – (Sept. 30, 2011) – Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in older adults in the United States, according to Prevent Blindness America. More than 20 million Americans age 40 years and older have cataracts and more than half of all Americans have cataracts by the age of 80 years.
As defined by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. A cataract alters the eye’s vision, so that it appears as if a person is looking through a frosted window. Although cataracts are painless, common symptoms include blurring, glare, poor night vision, and/or fading of colors, just to name a few. A cataract is a condition, not a disease, and cannot spread from one eye to the other.
Despite being a painless condition that affects millions of people, there is still a common misconception that one should wait until the cataract is white or “ripe” before seeking medical treatment.
“It’s best to treat a cataract in its early stages,” said Aasim Kamal, M.D., an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon on the medical staff at Mountain Vista Medical Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center and Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital. “The idea that it’s better to wait is more than a generation old. Cataract surgery used to be intensive and carried high risks. Fortunately, through medical and technological advances, cataract surgery is now performed on an outpatient basis using a tiny incision that self-seals, and carries a very low risk of infection or vision loss.”
“In a normal functioning eye, light focuses precisely on the retina. In an eye with a cataract, the light scatters throughout the eye, causing glare and difficulty to see,” continues Dr. Kamal. “If someone has a cataract, his or her eyesight becomes a real safety concern. If sight is limited to one eye, it dramatically decreases a person’s depth perception, which is critical when driving a vehicle or operating machinery.”
The most common cause of a cataract is the aging of the eye. Other causes may include hereditary factors; long-term, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation; previous eye surgery; medical problems, such as diabetes and arthritis; and medication side effects, especially from medications such as steroids.
“Arizonans are more prone to developing cataracts at a younger age, since they experience more sunlight exposure on a regular basis,” said Dr. Kamal.
Dr. Kamal provides the following recommendations for long-term eye health:
• After the age of 40 years, get an eye exam every two to three years. After the age of 60 years, have an eye exam annually.
• Protect eyes from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV radiation. Most retail stores that sell eye glasses have instruments that can measure how much UV radiation is blocked by the sunglasses. “Avoid sunglasses that only offer dark lenses, but do not provide proper UV protection. Dark lenses dilate the pupil, allowing more UV radiation to get into the eye and causing more eye damage like cataract formation and macular degeneration,” said Dr. Kamal.
• Address other health problems, especially diabetes and arthritis, which can affect eye health.
• When vision becomes limited or affects daily activities, such as working, reading or driving, seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist. A complete eye examination can rule out any other condition that may be causing blurred vision or eye problems. An ophthalmologist can provide a treatment plan to preserve long-term eyesight.
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