A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which is naturally clear, due to proteins forming into abnormal clumps. Cataracts typically happen as part of the aging process. Risk factors for cataracts include diabetes, eye injury, exposure to UV radiation, and genetic defects. Lifestyle also plays a role, with smoking and alcohol increasing your risk.
Here are some interesting statistics on cataracts.
- Cataracts affects more than 24 million Americans age 40 and older, or about one in every six people in this age group.
- Cataracts are more common in women than in men with around 60% of females and 40% of males affected.
- More than half of all Americans will have developed a cataract by the age of 75.
- Over $10.7 billion is spent by Americans annually to treat cataracts.
- Worldwide, they are the leading cause of blindness (causing 42% of all cases) and the second leading cause of visual impairment after refractive errors (astigmatism, myopia, etc).
Cataract Surgery Stats:
- About 40% of patients with cataracts undergo surgery on both eyes.
- Cataract surgery helps many patients live a healthier life due to better vision. In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 40% have a lower mortality risk afterward, 16% have a decreased risk of hip fractures, and 13% have a lowered risk of car crashes.
- Nearly 9 out of 10 people who have Tecnis Multifocal implants enjoy freedom from prescription glasses after cataract surgery, the company says.
- Over a million cataract surgeries are performed every year. More than 95% of them are successful. Complications such as inflammation and bleeding are very rare.
- The cost of cataract surgery has dramatically decreased since the 1980s, when it was as much as 85% higher.
- There are four different types of lens implants, including monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), multifocal IOLs (ReStor, Symfony), accommodating (Crystalens), and toric lenses. The lens you need depends on multiple factors, which our eye surgeons will review with you to determine the best type for you.
- When it comes to cataract surgery, the cost benefit to society over a 13-year period is over $123 billion.
Don’t let cataracts disturb your vision any longer.
If you’re tired of blurred vision, or worse, vision loss due to cataracts, it’s time to consider treatment. Trust the eye doctors at South Palm Eye Associates to diagnose cataracts and offer you the very best treatment options. If you already know you need cataract surgery near West Palm Beach, or would like to schedule a complete eye exam to determine the cause of your vision disturbance, call us today at 561-737-4040.