Cataracts involve the clouding of the lens of your eye, which is normally clear. The condition develops slowly over time and can cause issues with your vision. Some of the symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, glare when driving at night, double vision, and changes in the way you see color. Cataracts is a serious condition and can cause blindness if left untreated. The condition most often impacts older people, but can young people get cataracts?
Can Young People Get Cataracts?
Research has shown that more than 95% of people with cataracts are over the age of 50. However, children and infants can develop the condition. While cataracts develop slowly and often impacts older people, certain factors can accelerate the process. This can result in younger people having the condition. Family history, overexposure to ultraviolet light, and smoking can increase your chances of getting cataracts early on. Of those factors, smoking is highly impactful as smokers are twice as likely to develop cataracts as compared to non-smokers. In its early stages, cataracts can be treated with prescription eyewear. However, surgery may be necessary in the more advanced stages of the condition.
Congenital Cataracts
In addition to young people developing the condition, babies can also develop cataracts. Congenital cataracts are a rare form of the disease. Babies can be born with it or develop it shortly after birth. If left untreated or undetected, it can cause a lazy eye. Congenital cataracts can be treated with surgery and it is highly successful.
Causes of Cataracts
There are a number of underlying causes of cataracts. Smoking and ultraviolet radiation are the most commonly known, but the following are also causes of the condition.
- Radiation therapy
- Trauma
- Long-term use of steroids (and other medications)
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes
- Overproduction of oxidants (oxygen molecules that have been chemically altered due to normal daily life)
Cataracts Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors for the disease. The following factors increase your risk of developing cataracts.
- Age (most common among older people)
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use
- Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- Previous eye injuries
- Family history
- Radiation exposure (most commonly from X-rays and cancer treatments)
- Excess exposure to ultraviolet light
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is safe and highly effective. Dr. Ghosheh and the team at Advanced Eye Medical utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver impeccable results. The surgery involves a small incision that allows a small tool to break up and remove the cataract. Once the cataract is removed, a special lens is inserted into the same incision to help improve your vision. The procedure is fast as it takes no more than 30 minutes. It is also smooth and pain free so you can get back to your normal daily routine within 24 hours. The major benefit of the surgery is that once a cataract is removed, it cannot come back. If you are concerned you may have cataracts, contact the team at Advanced Eye Medical for a consultation today!
Treatment for Cataracts
It’s important to get treatment for your cataracts early on. Untreated cataracts can have serious consequences, including full vision loss. It can also impact your daily life as it can cause blurred vision. Cataract surgery in Orange County may be necessary if you are in the advanced stages of the disease. The first step in getting your cataracts treated is setting up your consultation. The team at Advanced Eye Medical are skilled in diagnosing and treating cataracts. They can create an individualized plan to treat your unique issues and improve your vision for the long term. Depending on your unique situation, eye surgery in Orange County may be necessary.