Cataract surgery: A reversible fix for young adults with vision loss

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — More than 25 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts. While it’s typically seen in adults 70 and older, younger adults are now having surgery as technology advances.

Mary Jane Boveda is one of those people. At just 52 years old, she was at risk of going blind.

“They said, do you know you have really bad cataracts in your right eye?,” Boveda shared.

The Pilates and yoga teacher said she had always taken her health seriously and that this was shocking. “I was pretty scared actually,” Boveda added.

Dr. Raymond Theodosis, an ophthalmologist at Shepherd Eye Center said that cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in the world but that it is completely reversible. He also shared that while cataracts most often occur in older adults, family history can also play a big role.

“Things like diabetes, taking steroids for asthma or other conditions can predispose you to younger-aged cataracts,” Dr. Theodosis said.

Cataracts typically develop slowly. Symptoms can include blurry vision, double vision, halos, or glare.

When Boveda felt something was going on with her vision she was referred to Shepherd Eye Center. Dr. Theodosis removed her cloudy lens and replaced it with an artificial one.

“It’s a prosthetic lens. You can’t shoot lasers out of your eye afterward, but our goal is to improve your quality of vision as much as we can,” Dr. Theodosis said.

Boveda opted for a newer procedure, a light-adjustable lens that Dr. Theodosis said allows physicians to customize the patient’s vision after surgery. The outpatient procedure takes ten minutes.

Boveda wore UV-blocking glasses as her new eyes adjusted and now, she’s without glasses and worries.

“It’s changed my life. Words can’t even describe the emotion and the life-changing, everything you can do. Reading, driving,” she said.

Cataract surgery has been linked to a 30% decrease in dementia in older patients and improvements in depression as well. It’s mostly covered by insurance depending on the lens you choose.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.