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The Facts About Cataracts

Posted: 3/14/2013 10:15 AM by Interim HealthCare

For more than half of American Baby Boomers over the age of 65, cataracts are something they have had, or will have, to deal with. Cataracts are the result of a buildup of protein in the lens of the eye. Old lens cells become compacted into the center of the lens, as new lens cells form on the outside of the lens. The compacted old cells are the cataract. This makes vision cloudy and prevents light from passing through the lens. As a result, some vision is lost.

There are four types of cataracts:

Age-related. This kind of cataracts develops as a person gets older.
Congenital. Occasionally, babies are born with cataracts because of an infection or injury before birth.
Secondary. This kind of cataracts is the result of another health issue, such as diabetes, or exposure to something toxic.
Traumatic. An injury to the eye can result in this form of cataracts.

The exact cause of age-related cataracts is unknown, so preventing them is difficult. Treatment, however, is common. The first step would be to try a change in your eye glasses prescription. If that is not sufficient, than your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cataracts and replace the lens with a new, artificial one. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United State. Typically it is done as an outpatient procedure, and nine out of 10 people who have the surgery note an improvement in their vision as a result.

Should you need assistance with in-home care services, before or after cataract surgery, Interim HealthCare can help. Whatever your particular needs are, we offer a level of service that can assist you.