Cataracts (Cont.)

Diagnosing Cataracts

Although you might think you have a cataract, the only way to know for sure is by having an eye examination. Should your eye care professional find a cataract, he or she can monitor it and advise you about any future treatment.
 

Cataract Treatment

In most cases, the only cataract treatment option is surgery. Your eye care professional will remove your clouded lens and, in most cases, replace it with a clear, plastic lens. Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision. In fact, it is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States, with over 1 million cataract surgeries done each year.
 
If your eye care professional finds a cataract, it may be several years before you need surgery for it. In fact, you might never need cataract surgery. If you have a cataract, it's important to have your vision tested regularly. That way, you and your eye care professional can determine when you might need treatment for the cataract.
 

Slowing Cataract Development

Currently, there is no cataract cure or way of reversing cataracts, and it may not be possible to prevent them. But there are some things that you can do to possibly slow the rate at which cataracts form. Some of these cataract prevention measures can include:
 
  • Regular eye exams
  • Certain lifestyle and diet changes.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD