10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Cataracts

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Nearly two million cataract surgeries are performed every year across America, yet most of us still know very little about this very common eye disorder.

1. Age-related cataract is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide.



2. The prevalence of cataract doubles every decade after age 40.



3. Over the past 20 years the annual number of USA cataract operations has quadrupled.



4. Cataract surgery accounts for 10% of all Medicare reimbursements.



5. In 1980 an average cataract procedure required 45-90 minutes; today that average is closer to 15-20 minutes.



6. If a way could be found to delay the onset of cataract for 10 years half of those cataract operations would never be needed, saving billions in health care spending.



7. Observational studies suggest multivitamin supplements may delay cataract progression.



8. It is unclear if multivitamins are more helpful for people with clear lenses or for those who are already starting to have cataracts.



9. 20 million people are blind from cataract worldwide and most have no access to affordable cataract surgery.



10. In 1980 most cataract surgery patients spent between 2-3 nights in the hospital. Nowadays most are home in time to make their own lunch.

Related Topics:

• 3 Nutrients May Cut Cataract Risk
• Cataracts Health Cneter

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