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                      Home/About Us/Newsroom/Cataracts affect more than half of Americans

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                      Cataracts affect more than half of Americans

                      11/3/2014

                      By John A. Billingsley III, M.D.
                      Legacy Eye Center

                      By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries in America.

                      But what is a cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye.

                      Although the cause of cataracts is not determined, several possible causes include:

                      • Age
                      • Smoking – smokers are twice as likely to develop cataracts
                      • Medical conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma and metabolic abnormalities
                      • Excessive exposure to sunlight
                      • Medications such as oral steroids, diuretic use and certain major tranquilizers

                      Common cataract symptoms include:

                      • Cloudy or blurry vision
                      • Lights appear too bright or they present a glare or a surrounding halo
                      • Poor night vision
                      • Colors appear faded
                      • Increased nearsightedness or increasing the need to change eyeglass prescriptions
                      • Distortion of vision in either eye

                      Treatment

                      Cataract symptoms may resemble other eye conditions, therefore, it’s important to consult with a physician for a diagnosis. During the doctor visit a complete medical history and an eye examination will take place.

                      In early stages, new glasses or stronger lighting may help vision loss. However, when the cataract advances surgery may be an option. It is important to note that a cataract only needs to be removed when vision loss interferes with everyday life and activities like reading, watching television and driving. Surgery is a decision that can be made between the patient and physician.

                      Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations performed and is one of the safest and most effective. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear implant lens. This advanced procedure is performed routinely at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital so area patients do not have to travel far from home or their surgeon. Often, insurance covers a good portion of the costs associated with cataract surgery and the end of the year may be a good time to see your vision care provider since medical deductibles might have been reached already.

                      For more information on cataracts or cataract surgery or to schedule an appointment, call Legacy Eye Center at (479) 524-6115.

                      Dr. John A. Billingsley, III, is an ophthalmologist in Siloam Springs and a member of the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital medical staff. Board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Billingsley offers patients regular office visits at Legacy Eye Center, 500 S. Mt. Olive – Suite 102, and performs procedures from cosmetic to surgical. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Billingsley, call (479) 524-6115.

                      About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

                      Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. The new facility, which opened April 2012, is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs, Ark.

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