CATARACT FACTS

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CATARACT FACTS

Employee Wellness Program 2310 N. First Street,
Suite 103 San Jose, CA 95131 (408)
299-5825 www.sccgov.org/wellness
Sources National Eye Institute www.nei.nih.gov
American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
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What is a cataract?

• A cataract is a clouding of the eyes clear lens.
  
• Clouding blocks or changes the passage of light
  into the eye and causes blurry or dim vision
  (like a window that is fogged with steam).
• Cataracts occur in either or both eyes but cannot
  spread from one eye to the other.

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How common are they?

• Approximately 20.5 million Americans age 40 and
  older have cataracts.
• More than half of all Americans develop cataracts
  by age 80.
• Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed
  surgical procedure in the United States, with
  more than 1.6 million procedures performed each
  year.

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What are the risk factors?

• Aging
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Exposure to radiation or intense heat
• Long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun
• Long-term steroid use
• Eye injuries, diseases, or inflammation
• Hereditary influences
• Events before birth, such as German measles in
  the mother

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What are the symptoms?

• Painless blurring of vision
• Light sensitivity or need for brighter light to
  read
• Poor night vision
• Colors seem faded or yellow
• Double vision
• Frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or
  contact lenses

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What can you do?

• Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block
  ultraviolet sunlight.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Researchers believe you can reduce the risk of
  age-related cataracts by eating green leafy
  vegetables, fruits, and other foods with
  antioxidants.
• If you are age 60 or older, you should have a
  comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once
  every two years.
• Early treatment for many eye diseases may save
  your sight.