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When is it Time for Cataract Surgery?
Almost everyone who lives a long life will develop cataracts at some point. As more Americans live into their 70s and beyond, we all need to know a few cataract basics: risks and symptoms, tips that may delay onset, and how to decide when it is time for surgery, so good vision can be restored.

In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, we encourage Americans to know their risks, especially people who have diabetes, smoke, or have a family history of cataracts. When you have a cataract, your vision may appear clouded and blurry like in the image below. The following tips will help you maintain healthy vision and make the right choices if you develop a cataract. Get a baseline exam if youre over 40. Its recommend that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline screening exam at age 40the time when early signs of disease and vision changes may start to occur. During this visit your Eye M.D. (ophthalmologist) will advise you on how often to have follow-up exams.

Know your risk factors. In addition to having a family history of cataract, having diabetes, or being a smoker, other factors can increase your risk of developing a cataract. These include extensive exposure to sunlight, serious eye injury or inflammation, and prolonged use of steroids, especially combined use of oral and inhaled steroids.

Reduce your risks. Its important to wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays when outdoors and add a wide-brimmed hat when spending long hours in the sun.
One of the best things anyone can do for their eyes and overall health is to quit smoking or never start
. People with diabetes can reduce cataract risk by carefully controlling their blood sugar through diet, exercise and medications if needed.

Be informed about when to consider surgery. This decision is up to each person based on his or her daily activities and their related vision needs. After age 65, most people will see their Eye M.D. at least once a year, where they will have their vision tested and learn whether cataracts are developing.

This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart campaign (www.geteyesmart.org).