Health Topics for Aging

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Geriatric Assessment Clinic

Cataract quiz

Most people know that cataracts have something to do with the eyes, but many people do not know much more than that. To get the facts about cataracts, take our true-false quiz.

#1. True or false: Untreated cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.

True. Over 17 million people in the world are blind due to cataracts.

#2. True or false: A cataract causes the clear lens of the eye to get cloudy or opaque.

True. When this happens, you may have blurry vision. You may notice a "halo" ring around lights when you look directly at them. Sometimes a problem is noticed only when there is either very dim or very bright light.

#3. True or false: If you have cataracts, you must have surgery.

False. Surgery is needed only if a cataract is causing problems with everyday living or increasing your risk of falls or injury.

#4. True or false: Only older adults get cataracts.

False. Cataracts can occur at all ages, even in babies. But cataracts are much more common in older adults. By age 75, over 90 percent of people will have some cataract changes.

#5. True or false: Some people may be more likely than others to get cataracts.

True. You may be more likely to get cataracts if you have diabetes, use steroid medication, have higher than normal blood sugar not related to diabetes, have high blood protein, or if you have injured your eye in some way. Exposure to UVB radiation from sunlight increases your risk for cataracts. Heavy smoking or heavy alcohol use also increases your risk.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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