Posted by: SightTrust Eye Institute in Cataracts, Presbyopia
We all desire crystal-clear vision. For some, 20/20 eyesight comes naturally, but for others, perfect vision requires remains elusive. Thanks to modern technology, there are numerous options and procedures to correct even the worst eyesight. Unfortunately, there is one thing that always gets in the way of perfect vision – aging.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur as the normally clear lens of the eye clouds over, leading to a gradual decline in vision. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. While cataracts can occur at any age, they are much more common the older we get.
Data from the CDC shows that more than 17 percent of adults over the age of 40 have a cataract in at least one eye, and this condition affects at least 70 percent of adults by the age of 75. Millions of people worldwide suffer from cataracts, and cataracts are the leading cause of blindness according to The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Symptoms of cataracts can include:
- cloudy or blurry vision
- colors that look faded
- difficulty seeing at night
- sensitivity to light
- halos and glare
- seeing double
While living a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays may delay the onset of cataracts, they do not prevent them. Thankfully, cataracts are easily treatable, and SightTrust Eye Institute offers surgical options for those who desire cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure only takes about 10 minutes to perform per eye (we do offer the option of treating both eyes on the same day), requires only eye drops as an anesthetic, and has a quick recovery time. This surgery replaces the worn-out lens with a clear intraocular lens implant (IOL). There are several versions of implants to choose from:
- Trifocal implants – provide distance, intermediate, and near vision
- EDOF implants – provide distance and intermediate vision
- Monovision – allows one eye to see far and one to see close
- Single vision – for distance or near
Once the IOL is in place, you will never have to be concerned about it clouding up again or worry about needing to repeat this surgery!
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is another condition that decreases vision over time. As we enter our 40s, our lenses become less elastic and can’t change shape as easily, which causes near images to appear blurry. Some common symptoms of presbyopia are:
- Having to hold reading materials at arm’s length to focus on the words
- Difficulty reading small print
- Headaches from doing work up close
- Eye strain
Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to reverse presbyopia, but thankfully there are treatments available to help correct your vision:
- Eye glasses
- Contact Lenses
- Medication
- Surgery
If glasses or contacts are not working for you, there is a terrific surgical option available to treat presbyopia:
- Refractive Lens Replacement Surgery
- Refractive lens replacement surgery is similar to cataract surgery but performed for the purpose of permanently fixing your vision at all ranges. Your natural lens is replaced with a synthetic implant known as an intraocular lens. The same implant options are available, with the most popular type being the trifocal IOL.
At SightTrust Eye Institute, we believe that everyone deserves clear vision. Our mission is to provide our patients with expert and individualized care to meet all their vision needs. If you suspect you may already be experiencing one of these conditions, or if you just want to prepare for the future, call our office today and we’d love to discuss how we can best support you where you’re at! Contact us at: (877) 878-7890 / info@sighttrust.com
Sources:
https://www.med.unc.edu/ophth/2023/06/june-is-cataracts-awareness-month/
https://preventblindness.org/june-cataract-awareness-2023/
https://www.feelgoodcontacts.com/blog/cataract-awareness-month
https://www.sighttrust.com/cataract-surgery/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20363329
https://www.bettervisionguide.com/7-presbyopia-treatments/
https://www.eyelink.com/2022/04/06/6-top-treatment-options-for-presbyopia/
