Posted by: Mann Eye in Cataracts

The more trips around the sun you take, the more likely it is that you will be faced with cataracts at some point. Cataracts are, to a large degree, an inevitable part of aging. At Mann Eye Institute, we focus a great deal of our practice on the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. But since June has been designated Cataract Awareness Month (learn more about free cataract screenings in June here), we think it’s a great time to take an even closer look at this common vision condition.

Four Surprising Facts You May Not Have Known About Cataracts

  1. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. today.
    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 30 million Americans have cataracts. Did you know that’s more than twice the total number of people with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration combined?!
  2. Cataracts can affect people at every age.
    Although it is very rare, some babies are born with cataracts, a condition called congenital cataracts. While it’s true that cataracts most commonly affect older people, individuals of all ages can develop cataracts. The likelihood of developing cataracts doubles in your 50s and doubles again in your 60s. By the age of 80, more than half of Americans have cataracts.
  3. Sun exposure and smoking increase your chances of developing cataracts earlier.
    Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can promote cataract development, so always wear your UV-blocking sunglasses! Smoking increases your risk of developing specific types of cataracts: doubling your risk for developing nuclear sclerotic cataracts and tripling your risk for developing subcapsular cataracts.
  4. Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts.
    It’s important to understand that cataracts cannot be treated with medication, eye drops or even lifestyle changes. They must be surgically removed for vision to be restored. But good news! Modern cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in a state-of-the-art surgery center. No hospital stays, no stitches or patches.

Not sure which type of cataract surgery is right for you? Take our Cataract Options Quiz to find out!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Trust Your Eyes to the Experienced Cataract Surgeons Texans Trust

Cataract surgery is indeed one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed today, but it’s still important to choose an established practice where the surgeons have focused training, plenty of experience, a commitment to the most advanced technology and a number of great outcomes. At Mann Eye Institute, our board-certified ophthalmologists have helped tens of thousands of people regain their vision and their lives using modern cataract surgery techniques.

Active Lenses for Your Active Life

Now more than ever, you have the opportunity to make a lifestyle decision about your vision after cataract surgery. The artificial lenses used to replace the cloudy ones in cataract surgery come in a variety of choices geared toward your unique lifestyle and goals. Mann Eye Institute offers a variety of premium lens implants (we call them Active Life Lenses) you can choose from. These lenses make it possible to not only eliminate cataracts but also give the opportunity for reduced dependency on glasses, bifocals and even readers.

Active Life Lenses are considered the gold standard in cataract lens replacements today. During traditional cataract surgery, a monofocal lens is used to replace the natural lens. The traditional monofocal lens will allow you to see clearly at only one distance – near, intermediate or far. Most patients will still require glasses for reading and up-close activities. Our premium Active Life Lenses, including the amazing trifocal option, could help you see clearly at various distances. Talk about freedom!

If you’re someone who has worn glasses or contacts your whole life, post-cataract surgery vision with an Active Life Lens from Mann Eye Institute may be considerably better than any vision you’ve ever experienced.

Ready to learn more about cataract surgery at Mann Eye Institute? Schedule your cataract evaluation today.