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A Natural Effect of Aging
The eye's natural crystalline lens helps us focus on people and things at varying
distances. Unfortunately, as we grow older this lens often stiffens and hardens,
and without its youthful suppleness, it loses its ability to focus, creating vision
problems. This condition — for most, a natural consequence of aging - is called
presbyopia.
Normal Vision
Cataract Impaired Vision
As we age, these changes occurring to the natural crystalline lens can lead to the
development of cataracts, or a loss in the clarity of lenses.
Since the lens is no longer as flexible or as clear as it used to be, the eye can't focus light properly, causing the following cataract symptoms:
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Poor night vision
- Fading color
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
By age 65, many of us will develop a cataract.
Improving Your Vision
Developing a cataract doesn't mean a permanent loss of vision quality, or having to give up the things you love, because cataract surgery is a safe, effective way to improve your vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States, with well over 2 million Americans having the procedure every year. Usually performed on an out-patient basis, cataract surgery is microsurgery, whereby the natural lens is removed and replaced with what is called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is highly successful and most people regain very good distance vision.
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