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June is Cataract Awareness Month
Posted by: Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute in Uncategorized
June is Cataract Awareness Month, a crucial time to understand and address one of the leading causes of treatable vision loss in the United States. With over 25 million Americans expected to develop cataracts, it’s clear that this is a significant health issue. As the population ages, this number will increase by 50 percent to 38.5 million by 2032. However, early detection and treatment of cataracts can prevent further vision loss and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life, empowering you to take proactive steps for your eye health.
While the thought of cataract surgery may initially seem daunting, it’s crucial to focus on the positive outcomes. This procedure, the most common elective surgery among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, has been shown in numerous studies to reduce the risk of falling, improve quality of life, and even lead to fewer car accidents. Just imagine the relief and optimism that a clearer, brighter world after cataract surgery can bring.
For patients who feel interference in their daily lives by their blurry or dulled vision, the procedure can significantly benefit their quality of life. Here are three questions to help determine if you or your family member diagnosed with cataracts decides whether it is time to talk with your eye doctor about cataract surgery.
Are your cataracts impacting your daily activities?
Symptoms of cataracts include blurry, dim, double vision in a single eye, or yellowed vision. The lack of contrast and clarity can make driving, reading, cooking, or working more challenging, impacting your overall quality of life.
Are you having difficulty driving safely at night due to your cataracts?
Cataracts can cause difficulty seeing in low-light settings, halos around lights, and impact driving at night safely. Advanced cataracts can even generate enough vision loss to fail the vision test required for a driver’s license.
Are you having trouble enjoying your outdoor activities?
Cataracts can also increase sensitivity to glare, which can be especially troublesome for those who enjoy skiing, surfing, and other outdoor activities. They can also cause visual differences from one eye to the other, affecting the distance vision golfers need.
Cataracts are a very common but treatable disease, affecting millions of people. Discussing your cataract symptoms with your eye doctor, who can provide expert advice based on your specific condition, is a great way to decide what is best for your eye health needs.
We Are Available To Help You With The Decision-Making Process
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our practice is here to provide you with the necessary support and guidance in making decisions before proceeding with cataract surgery. We are committed to ensuring our patients are fully informed and comfortable with the timing and details of this procedure. Call today to schedule a cataract evaluation and comprehensive assessment of your eyes to have a detailed discussion about your cataract surgery options. Rest assured, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, alleviating any anxiety or uncertainty you may have.