Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness among older adults. More than 22.3 million Americans have cataracts. Cataracts can also develop in young adults or newborn babies.

A cataract  is a growth over the clear lens of our eyes that causes vision to be cloudy.

Things that make it more likely for a person to have cataracts:

• Increasing age
• Diabetes
• Too much exposure to sunlight
• Exposure to radiation like X-rays or cancer therapy
• Family history of cataracts
• Eye surgery
• Inflammation in the eye
• Smoking
• Long term steroid use

People with cataracts often complain of the following symptoms:

• Clouded or blurred vision
• Increasing difficulty with vision at night
• Sensitivity to light
• Double vision in a single eye
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription 

If you experience any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor right away.

What does a doctor look at, to make a diagnosis of cataracts?

• Medical history, specifically eye history
• Asking you to read an eye chart
• Using a light and magnification to examine your eyes
• Dilating your eyes

The only treatment option for cataracts is surgery. Your doctor will be able to help you decide if this is needed and if so, the best time for it.

Cataract prevention tips:

• Have regular eye examinations
• Don't smoke
• Manage other health problems like diabetes 
• Wear sunglasses
•  Eat a healthy diet including lots of fruits and vegetables
• Keep a healthy body weight

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