Treatment and Prevention
Cataracts still blind millions of people in Africa, but in North America,
they're easily removed with surgery. The operation takes about an hour.
It's usually done under a local anesthetic, while you stay awake. The old blurry
lens is replaced with a new, clear plastic lens. The operation improves vision
in over 90% of people, usually quite dramatically. Only one eye can be done
at a time.
After the surgery, some people find the world explodes into color so intense
it's almost painful. This is because the brain has compensated for the lower
light intake by amplifying color signals. It can take some time for the brain
to get used to your improved vision. You likely won't be able to drive your
car for a few weeks.
Cataracts happen with natural aging, but you can take steps to prevent them.
To avoid exposing your eyes to sunlight, wear sunglasses that filter out both
UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses that only filter out UVB can actually increase
your risk of cataracts because they shade your eyes, causing the pupils to open,
and this allows more UVA light to enter the eye.
You can get more antioxidants in your diet by eating citrus fruits and leafy
green vegetables. You'll also help offset your risk of heart disease and cancer.
If you're a smoker, you can improve your chances even more by quitting.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.