Today, it s estimated that about half of American seniors between 50 and 65 develop cataracts. After age 75, virtually no one escapes them. These other effects can include light sensitivity, hazy night vision, and halos or glare from light sources. Overexposure to the sun s UV rays, microwaves, infrared rays, ionizing radiation, and trauma can all contribute to cataracts, as can continual use of corticosteroid medications. Smokers and people with diabetes or glaucoma are also at increased risk.
Treatment usually entails prescription glasses and regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist.
Though high-tech, the surgery is usually a virtually painless outpatient procedure. We use ultrasound waves to break up the natural lens. Sometimes scar tissue forms behind the new lens several months later, but we can clear it away with lasers. Chuck advises all adults over 50 to see an ophthalmologist every 1-3 years to check for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Eye exams should include dilation of the pupil with drops so that a full retinal and optic nerve evaluation can be performed.