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Ask the Experts at Collins Vision—Michael J. Collins, MD
It’s commonly said that if you have enough birthdays, you will develop cataracts. But is that actually true? Well, you’d have to be able to tell the future to say for sure. But there are a few things about cataracts we don’t need a crystal ball to know:
- Cataracts affect over 24.4 million American age 40 and older, or about one in every six people in this age range.*
- By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have cataracts.*
Cataracts are certainly a leading cause of vision loss in the United States today. While there’s no definite way to guarantee cataract prevention, making some lifestyle changes might lower your odds of developing cataracts. Let’s take a closer look at some of those lifestyle choices.
Eat a Healthy Diet
If you’re wanting to do all that you can to keep your vision crisp and clear for as long as possible, eating a nutritious diet may help. There is some scientific evidence that suggests Vitamins C and E can lower the risk of cataract development and possibly slow their growth.
Vitamin C is found in many foods and can be consumed as a dietary supplement. But in all cases, it’s best to get your vitamin intake from foods whenever possible.
Foods rich in Vitamin C include:
- Citrus (oranges, grapefruit, limes, etc.)
- Tomatoes and tomato juice
- Red and green peppers
- Kiwifruit
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
- Cantaloupe
Looks like it’s time to get reacquainted with your fruits and veggies! For a boost in Vitamin E intake, consider:
- Vegetable oils (sunflower and safflower)
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Broccoli
Stop Smoking
You already know that smoking is bad for your health, specifically your heart and your lungs. But smoking is also bad for your eyes. And when it comes to cataracts, smoking is one risk factor you can control.
Research has found that smokers have double the risk of developing cataracts compared with non-smokers. If you needed one more reason to finally kick the habit, here it is.
Cataracts and Treatment
If you or someone you love is diagnosed with cataracts, it’s important to understand this: cataracts cannot be treated with medication, eye drops or lifestyle changes. They must be surgically removed in order for vision to be restored.
The good news? More than 2 million men and women undergo cataract surgery every year, making the procedure one of the most common and most successful medical procedures in the U.S. today.
Life Beyond the Blur—Cataract Surgery at Collins Vision
At Collins Vision, we specialize in something we like to call Refractive Cataract Surgery (also known as the “Enhance” and/or “Elevate” Paths at our practice), where the goal is to remove your cataract and reduce your dependency on glasses at the same time by correcting other refractive errors (aka vision issues) using a premium intraocular lens. Refractive Cataract Surgery is an advanced procedure that goes above and beyond standard cataract surgery to deliver exceptional results designed to fit your unique vision and lifestyle.
A Lens for Every Lifestyle
When it comes to advanced cataract procedures using the latest lenses, Collins Vision has you covered. There are so many great cataract surgery lens options out there that can offer you increased visual freedom at the time of your cataract surgery. We even offer a brand new trifocal lens called PanOptix that addresses just about every vision challenge all in one lens!
This visual freedom is something that’s very important to many of our busy Southwest Florida residents who live active lives—working out, traveling or pursuing hobbies—and don’t wish to be restricted by the hassles of glasses, bifocals and readers.
Custom Paths for your Cataract Journey
At your one-on-one cataract surgery consultation, we will make sure you have all the information you need and want to feel confident about your next steps. And I will personally customize a plan that will reflect your unique needs, vision goals and lifestyle.
Our custom paths include:[/vc_column_text][vc_accordions][vc_accordion_tab title=”The REPAIR PATH.”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581351178549{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]With the Repair Path, our goal is to remove the cataract and repair your vision with a clear monofocal lens. If you do not mind being dependent on glasses for most or all of your daily tasks, this path is right for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”The REPAIR+ PATH.”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581351143583{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Similar to the Repair Path, your cataract will be removed and replaced with a clear lens. To ensure superior results, we take intraoperative measurements using the ORA™ System with VerifEye™ technology.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”The ENHANCE PATH.”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581351121018{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]With the Enhance Path, our goal is to remove the cataract and enhance your vision by correcting your astigmatism. If you have astigmatism and would like to reduce dependency on corrective eyewear, this path is right for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”The ELEVATE PATH.”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581351165937{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]With the Elevate Path, our goal is not only to remove your cataract but to elevate your level of vision to reduce or eliminate your need for any corrective eyewear. Whether you have astigmatism, are nearsighted or farsighted, or wearing readers due to presbyopia, our lens offerings could help you overcome your vision challenges and help you live your life to the fullest with the vision you deserve.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581351713204{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Comprehensive Cataract Care from Experts You Can Trust
Regardless of the path you choose, you can be sure; we offer our valued patients the safest and most advanced technology available in eye care. We were one of the first practices in the country to invest in the Bausch & Lomb VICTUS Femtosecond Laser Platform to assist in performing Custom Laser Cataract Surgery. Why? Custom Laser Cataract Surgery represents one of the great surgical advancements of our time and the VICTUS is a true benchmark for safety and precision.
If you find yourself in need of a cataract surgeon, we’d be honored to meet you and help you with your journey to having your vision restored. Want to do a little more research? Visit our comprehensive cataracts page for additional information. Already convinced? Great. Let’s schedule your comprehensive cataract surgery consultation today. We can’t wait for you to See the Difference.
*Prevent Blindness America[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
