What You Should Know
Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States.
Cataracts can occur at any age due to a variety of causes, and can be present at birth. Although treatment for the removal of cataract is widely available, access barriers such as insurance coverage, treatment costs, patient choice, or lack of awareness prevent many people from receiving the proper treatment. An estimated 20.5 million (17.2%) Americans 40 years and older have cataract in one or both eyes, and 6.1 million (5.1%) have had their lens removed operatively. The total number of people who have cataracts is estimated to increase to 30.1 million by 2020. (courtesy of CDC).
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Definition, Causes, Symptoms
Please visit the National Eye Institute website with patient information on cataract. The site is designed to help patients and their families search for general information about cataract. An eye care professional who has examined the patient's eyes and is familiar with his or her medical history is the best person to answer specific questions.
General Overview for Patients, Families and Friends
These resources were developed by the National Eye Institute for people with cataract and their families and friends. They provides information about age-related cataract, the most common form of cataract along with the causes and symptoms of the disorder and discusses diagnosis and types of treatment.
Experience firsthand how a person with cataract sees the environment.
