By age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision-impairing eye disease. Most do not know it because there are often no warning symptoms or they assume poor sight is a natural part of growing older. By detecting and treating eye disease early through annual dilated-eye exams, seniors can preserve their sight.

The most common cause of poor vision in seniors is cataracts.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. The lens focuses light rays on the retina (the layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of the eye) to produce a sharp image of what we see. When the lens becomes cloudy, light rays cannot pass through it easily, and vision is blurred. Your eye becomes like a window that is frosted or yellowed.

Most age-related cataracts progress gradually over a period of years and may vary even between both eyes. Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss, especially as we age, but they are treatable.

What are common symptoms of cataracts?

a painless blurring of vision

light sensitivity

poor night vision

double vision in one eye

needing a brighter light to read

colors looking faded or yellow

There are many misconceptions about cataracts. Cataract is not a film over the eye, does not spread from one eye to the other, nor is it a cause of irreversible blindness.

Are you at risk?

The most common type of cataract is the age-related type. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Age is the most common risk factor.

Additionally, you may be at a higher risk of developing cataracts if you:

smoke

use steroid medications

suffered an eye injury

have diabetes

have had prolonged exposure to sunlight

are obese

are an alcoholic

have a family history of cataracts

How are cataracts detected?

Cataract testing involves an eye chart test, a check of the pressure inside the eye and a dilated eye exam where drops are placed in the eyes and then a special magnifying lens is used to check for damage or other eye problems.

With these tests, your eye doctor can tell you whether a cataract or some other problem is the cause of your vision loss.

At Bassett Healthcare, ophthalmologists are also able to work with a retina specialist and together treat patients who may have a combination of cataracts and retinal diseases (such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.)

How do I know if I need cataract surgery?

A cataract may not need to be treated if your vision is only slightly blurry. Simply changing your eyeglass prescription may help to improve your vision for a while.

Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract.

You should talk to your eye doctor about cataract surgery when you are no longer able to see well enough to do everyday activities. In most cases, putting off surgery will not cause harm.

What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial plastic lens implant that will remain in the eye permanently.

Done on an outpatient basis, the surgery is usually painless and takes less than 30 minutes.

Often patients stay awake during the surgery and the eye is numbed with drops. If both eyes require surgery, they will be done separately a few weeks apart.

What about recovery after cataract surgery?

Eye drops are used in the eye after surgery for a few weeks to help the eye heal well and to help prevent an infection.

How successful is cataract surgery?

The success rate of cataract surgery is excellent. Improved vision is achieved in the majority of patients if other vision-limiting problems are not present.

You may need to wear glasses after surgery to help you see as clearly as possible in the distance (driving vision) and up close (reading vision).

What new research is being done about age-related cataracts?

Studies are being done to see if sunlight exposure is associated with an increased risk of cataract or if vitamin supplements will delay progression of cataract.

Genetic studies, too, show promise of better understanding cataract development.

How can I protect my vision?

If you smoke, stop. Wear sunglasses to block ultraviolet sunlight.

Good nutrition is always recommended, especially antioxidant-rich foods, green leafy vegetables and fruit.

If you’re 60 or older, have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years.

If you think you have a cataract or have questions about your vision, speak with your eye doctor.

Visit www.nei.nih.gov for more information.

Dr. Laura Kilty is one of four ophthalmologists at Bassett Healthcare. She sees patients in Cooperstown and at Oneonta Specialty Services.