Dr. Beau Gardener prepares to perform cataract surgery on a Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center patient. Daniel Hill According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than half of all Americans will develop cataracts by age 80.

Cataracts can develop in younger age groups as well; which explains why 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40 have decreased vision from cataracts. Cataracts are generally due to the aging process, but can also be caused by diabetes, eye injury, certain medications, smoking, UV exposure, and genetics.

The problem is a clouding of the lens, similar to a window that is “fogged” with steam. This cloud blocks the passage of light needed for vision. In many parts of the world this can lead to blindness.

Because of new procedures and technology available in this country, most Americans can have the cataract removed before it causes severe vision loss.

Some people ask, “What can I do about my cataracts?” There are no medications, vitamins, or exercises which can prevent cataracts or make them disappear. The treatment is to surgically remove them.

Cataract removal is an outpatient surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. The doctor makes a small incision and then removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a specially designed artificial lens. Early on, the cataract may not cause much of a problem, but vision can decrease over time.

The best time to talk with your eye doctor about cataract surgery is when the symptoms interfere with your lifestyle. Some of these symptoms are painless blurring of vision, double vision in one eye, fading or yellowing of colors, glare from lights, sensitivity to light, difficulty reading, trouble driving at night, and frequent need to update glasses or contact lenses.

We can provide a thorough eye exam and help you determine if you are a candidate for cataract surgery or if there is some other cause for the blurry vision.

When considering a surgical procedure like cataract removal, technological advances are a strong consideration. Here at Eisenhower patients can expect the latest technological advances in cataract removal and lens implant technology.

While only a few outside ophthalmology practices use state of the art torsional ultrasound, Eisenhower surgeons have already been using this revolutionary technology for several years. It makes cataract surgery safer by using oscillating ultrasound energy to remove the cataract. In addition, we maintain the latest software upgrades to improve safety on a continual basis.

Additionally, lens implant technologies are available which can correct astigmatism or allow patients to see at distance and near which further reduces dependence on glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.

At other places, a more advanced procedure will almost always cost the patient significantly more. However, we can perform the most advanced techniques at no charge to our eligible patients. Also, we can usually see the patient and perform the procedure much sooner than outside providers.

The Ophthalmology Clinic (part of the EENT clinic) is on the 2nd floor of Eisenhower Army Medical Center and is fully staffed with eye doctors who provide the full spectrum of eye and vision care from eyeglasses to medication and surgery. The doctors are very attentive to their patients and take the time to answer any questions they have.

The Ophthalmology Clinic can also treat a broad spectrum of other eye conditions. Stay tuned for future updates in the Signal newspaper on other medical, laser, and surgical treatments we can provide for a variety of eye conditions caused by diabetes, glaucoma, droopy eyelids, strabismus (lazy eye), lesions on the eyelid surface or surface of the eye itself (pterygia).

The Specialty Care Coordination Office at Eisenhower coordinates referrals for the Ophthalmology Clinic and 28 other specialty clinics for all Department of Defense beneficiaries, regardless of age. This includes retirees and family members. Even if you have an external primary care physician, you are eligible to use the specialty clinics at Eisenhower with no co-pay.

If this sounds like a benefit you would like to take advantage of, an appointment can be made by calling the Specialty Care Coordination Office at (706) 787-0297 or toll free (877) 667-5828.