Cataracts

Minority Women's Health > African Americans > Health Topics > Cataracts

Blindness affects blacks more frequently than whites and Hispanics.  Cataracts and glaucoma are serious problems for African Americans, causing over half of the cases of blindness in African Americans.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.  Symptoms of cataracts include:

• cloudy or blurry vision
• colors looking faded
• poor night vision
• seeing double
• seeing a halo around lights

See an eye doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

More women than men get cataracts. In the U.S., about half of the vision loss in African Americans is caused by cataracts.

There are things you can do to help protect your vision:

• Always wear sunglasses and a hat when outside.
• Don't smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. For help along the way, check out our Quitting Smoking section.
• Eat healthy foods. Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

African Americans over age 40 should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years.

Publications

1.   Cataract - This publication provides general information about cataracts. It includes information on the risk factors, symptoms, prevention, detection, as well as the underlining development of cataracts.

   http://nihseniorhealth.gov/cataract/toc.html

2.   Cataract - This online resource guide provides information about cataracts. It answers questions about causes and symptoms, and discusses diagnosis and types of treatment.

   http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp

3. Find an Eye M.D. (Copyright © AAO) - The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) offers an on-line listing of member ophthalmologists practicing in the United States and abroad. The web site allows you to search by name, city, zip code or country.

   http://www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm

4. Frequently Asked Questions about Cataract (Copyright © Prevent Blindness America) - This publication contains information on cataract, a disease of the eye that can cause blindness. This resource explains who is at risk for cataracts and describes symptoms and available treatments.

   http://www.preventblindness.org/eye_problems/cataractFAQ.html

Organizations

1.   National Eye Institute, NIH, HHS
2. American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
3. Prevent Blindness America

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007