1. Cataracts are very common!

More than 68% of Americans will develop a cataract that affects their vision by the time they are eighty years old. The only way to treat cataracts is with surgery. This means that about 7 out of 10 Americans will need cataract surgery at some point in their lives.

2. They can occur at any age!

While most cataracts occur in patients over the age of 65 and are associated with aging, many other things can lead to their development at a younger age. Some people are born with cataracts. In these cases, treatment is often required in order for the child to develop good vision. In addition, previous eye injuries or surgeries, common conditions such as diabetes, medications like prednisone, or exposure to radiation may all contribute to cataract development.

3. You can protect yourself!

There are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from early cataracts. Wearing sunglasses or hat with a brim to block UV rays from the sun may help to delay cataract development. A healthy diet with antioxidants can help. Smoking has also been associated with cataracts, it is recommended that patients quit.

4. Get rid of your glasses!

Often, after cataract surgery, patients no longer need to wear distance vision glasses. When your cataract is removed, the surgeon will replace it with a prosthetic lens that approximates your glasses prescription. You may, however, need to wear glasses for reading or other near vision tasks.

5. Get checked!

Yearly eye examinations are necessary to appropriately monitor and screen for this condition. Cataracts often affect vision very slowly over a period of time, so be certain to have an eye care professional examine your eyes yearly.
The doctors at Batting Eyecare + Gallery are happy to answer any questions you have about cataracts or any other eye health topics.

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Sources: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp