More than 2.5 million Canadians have cataracts (CNIB). It is one of the main causes of vision loss in Canada. Cataracts develop as the crystalline lens ages and starts to harden and become cloudy and opaque. It is most common in seniors over 60 years of age but can be found in young children and adults. If an infant is born with a cataract it is known as a congenital cataract.
Most Cataracts are the natural result of the aging process the eyes go through however there can be other developmental factors including hereditary, trauma, disease, ultraviolet exposure and smoking. Prevention recommendations include protecting your eye sight from UV rays, eating food rich in antioxidants and adding vitamin supplementation to your diet.
Your Lynn Valley Optometrist will monitor the progression of cataracts and recommend treatment options. Luckily, treatment is highly advanced today for Cataract surgery and many patients comment on improved vision after the removal of the cloudy lens and the replacement of an artificial lens. It is one of the most perfected and safe procedures performed every day in Canada.
