Recent Health Articles: Focus on Your Vision During Cataract Awareness Month

Focus on Your Vision During Cataract Awareness Month

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Over half of all Americans will develop cataracts by the age of 70 – but poor vision doesn't have to be an inevitable fact of aging. During Cataract Awareness Month in August, YourSightMatters.com wants to help seniors understand the simple outpatient procedures available to restore their vision and get them back to driving, reading and seeing clearly.

"Recent technological advances means cataract surgery can do more than remove cloudy lenses. It can improve vision for those who are near or farsighted," said James W Klein, M.D. of Lakeshore Eye Surgery Center in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. "In addition, a recent study showed that cataract surgery can also reduce a patient's risk of breaking a hip in a fall."

Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations performed in the United States, and yet many affected individuals avoid treatment. To help put patients at ease, YourSightMatters.com provides a helpful list of questions for patients to ask their surgeon. In fact, cataract surgery is usually performed in an ambulatory surgery center, takes less than fifteen minutes and patients can resume most normal activities the next day.

Since cataracts develop over years, gradual changes in vision can become the "new normal" and therefore ignored longer than necessary. Some people even describe cataracts as looking through a "dirty windshield." Visit YourSightMatters.com to find a local surgeon who specializes in cataract surgery, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Blurred, cloudy vision
Difficulty seeing at night or while driving
Sensitivity to light
Seeing a "halo" around bright lights
Colors appear faded or yellowed

A comprehensive eye exam will determine whether cataracts are present and whether you are a candidate for surgery. Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare, and most private insurance plans.

For real stories from real people who have experienced cataract surgery, please visit www.YourSightMatters.com.

About YourSightMatters.com YourSightMatters.com is powered by eye care professionals who are committed to preserving and restoring vision. This coalition represents 300 ophthalmologists and optometrists across the United States. Your Sight Matters is supported by AmSurg, a leader in eye surgery for over 20 years.