Cataracts are often associated with aging, but they can develop earlier in life. Actress Anne Hathaway recently shared that an early-onset cataract significantly affected the vision in her left eye for years before she underwent surgery.
A cataract develops when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Common signs include blurred vision, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty seeing at night and faded colors.
Dr. Sagun Pendse, MD, cataract surgeon at Center for Advanced Eye Care, says Hathaway’s experience is an important reminder to take vision changes seriously.
“As a cataract surgeon, I often remind patients that cataracts are not exclusively a condition of older age. They can develop earlier in life, and because the changes in vision are often gradual, people may not realize how much their sight has been affected. Anne Hathaway’s experience is a good reminder to pay attention to changes in your vision and have them evaluated, regardless of your age. Fortunately, most patients regain excellent vision after cataract surgery regardless of their age. Many also enjoy an improvement in quality of life by becoming more independent of glasses.”
During cataract surgery, the natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. Center for Advanced Eye Care offers VirtuaLens™, a virtual reality experience that helps patients explore simulations of their doctor-recommended lens options before surgery.
After trying VirtuaLens, patient Tina D. said, “This is the most awesome thing in the whole wide world. I can’t wait to have surgery if my eyesight looks this way! Whoever thought this one up needs a raise.”
If cataracts are affecting your vision, schedule a cataract consultation and ask about VirtuaLens. Call 833-921-6200 or visit our website at www.centerforeyes.com to schedule.
