June is an important time of year at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, as it’s National Cataract Awareness Month. Of course, cataracts are top of mind for our physicians and staff all year around, but this month really puts a spotlight on our nation’s leading cause of vision loss. 

With that in mind, here are three things you should know about cataracts…

1. How Common are Cataracts?

Most cataracts develop as a result of aging. As we get older, proteins in the eye lenses degrade, creating thicker and less transparent lenses. More than 22 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts. By the age of 80, more than 50% of American’s have cataracts. And, as more people live to 80 years and beyond, cataracts are increasingly common.

2. What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataract symptoms generally include a combination of cloudy or blurred vision, double vision, lens discoloration, light sensitivity, glare and halos. Symptoms increase and get worse over time. Left untreated, cataracts inevitably result in complete blindness. Thankfully, these symptoms are usually enough to inspire patients to schedule a medical evaluation, during which a cataract diagnosis is made through a combination of a visual acuity test, slit-lamp test and retinal exam.

3. How are Cataracts Treated?

The damage caused to the eye’s lens through the formation of cataracts is permanent. The lens cannot be repaired. That makes surgery to replace the natural lens with an artificial lens implant the only effective treatment option. Many patients today opt for laser-assisted cataract surgery, as it is 100% pain-free, offers more precision and requires less recovery time than traditional surgery.

If you or someone you love experiences cataract symptoms, North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care is here to help. Our doctors have the expertise and training to provide reliable diagnoses and state-of-the-art treatment. In fact, Dr. Gregory Snodgrass was the area’s first eye surgeon to use the LenSx® laser-assisted cataract surgical system. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an evaluation.