AT WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU START BEING CONCERNED ABOUT CATARACTS?

Cataract is a disease typical of the elderly, however, in recent years, the disease has tended to rejuvenate more and more. When suffering from cataracts, the patient will have impaired vision and even blindness if not detected and treated promptly. Therefore, no matter your age, please understand important information to proactively prevent, screen and treat cataracts in the following ways.

Harmful effects of cataracts

Cataracts occur when proteins gather in clumps in the lens of the eye, blocking light from reaching the retina, causing the patient's vision to become hazy and less colorful. This disease has the potential to cause severe vision impairment and is the leading cause of blindness in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 65.2 million people with cataracts, of which more than 80% of cases have moderate to severe vision loss.

When suffering from cataracts, the patient will have difficulty in work and daily activities; makes them depend more on their loved ones; as well as increasing the rate of accidents and injuries during travel, especially when taking stairs or driving vehicles.

Nowadays, cataracts are not only common in old age. According to research in 2016, the rate of young people with cataracts in Vietnam is tending to increase, up to 30%. Therefore, understanding important information and notes in cataract prevention and treatment is essential for everyone, regardless of age.

For people under 40 years old

Some people under 40 years old are at high risk of developing cataracts:

• Children with congenital diseases due to genetics or embryo defects during pregnancy.
• People with other diseases such as diabetes, uveitis, retinopathy,...
• People who are regularly exposed to UV rays or strong light, ionizing radiation,...
• People who abuse alcohol, beer and stimulants.
• Usually, other than those with congenital diseases, people under 40 years old often do not clearly feel the symptoms of cataracts because the disease is in its early stages. The most important thing at this age is to be equipped with disease screening knowledge and have a healthy lifestyle to prevent disease progression.

Here are some notes in screening and preventing cataracts that patients need to understand:

• Regular eye exams every 6 months to monitor, detect early and have a disease screening regimen if necessary.
• Supplement eye-healthy nutrients such as vitamins A - B - C, omega, lutein, zeaxanthin found in green vegetables, fruits, seafood, and dried seeds.
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors, wear blue light blocking glasses when using electronic devices.
• Limit smoking and use of alcohol and stimulants.
• Exercise regularly and be exposed to sunlight for at least 2 hours a day.

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For people over 40 years old

Old age is the most common cause of cataracts. According to Framingham Eye Study, people aged 55-64 have a disease rate of up to 4.5%; People aged 65-74 have a disease rate of 18%; People aged 75-84 have a disease rate of 49.5%. Therefore, the elderly need to proactively take care of their eyes to prevent diseases, along with regular cataract screening for early detection and timely treatment.

👉 Register for Cataract Screening at Japan International Eye Hospital with a team of leading experts: https://jieh.vn/en/services/cataracts-screening.

When suffering from cataracts, patients may be prescribed treatment methods such as using medication to slow down the progression of the disease or surgery to replace artificial lenses (Phaco surgery, Laser Cataract surgery). ) to improve eyesight. Depending on the stage of the disease, during the examination, the ophthalmologist will prescribe appropriate treatment for each patient.

In addition, when seeing other unusual signs in the eyes such as impaired vision, white mist in front of the eyes, sensitivity to light, double/triple vision, etc., the patient should quickly go to an ophthalmology hospital for treatment. examine, diagnose the disease and receive a treatment plan from the doctor.

Japan International Eye Hospital is a reputable ophthalmology facility in the examination, screening and treatment of cataracts with a leading surgeon - Dr. Vu Anh Tuan - Director. 

Hospital expertise, Japanese-standard 14-step in-depth medical examination and treatment process, Southeast Asia's leading Catalys (Johnson & Johnson - USA) machine system, comprehensive care service and unlimited free re-examination times within 4 months after surgery.

👉 Learn more about Japanese standard cataract surgery with costs from only 16,000,000 VND: https://jieh.vn/en/services/cataract-surgery.