Are you becoming more sensitive to light and challenged by glare? Experiencing changes in your vision?

You may be developing cataracts. You’re not alone. The National Eye Institute estimates 50 million Americans will be living with cataracts by 2050.

Following are frequently asked questions about cataracts, and of course, the answers.

We know the eyes are the window to the soul, but did you know they are also the window to your health, specifically your cardiovascular health? New research published in the American Journal of Medicine recently found a distinct correlation between the health of your eyes and the health of your heart.

Specifically, researchers found that approximately half of the nearly 2.2 billion cases of vision impairment worldwide could be improved, or even prevented, by taking simple steps to improve your overall cardiovascular health.

In addition, doctors have learned that a regular annual eye exam is the most reliable, non-invasive way to identify a number of serious—often fatal—cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

One-third of the U.S. population is currently affected by myopia. And the World Health Organization reports the numbers are bound to grow massively. In fact, they claim by the year 2050, half the world’s population will experience myopia.

The WHO goes on to say 20% of those individuals, especially in underdeveloped countries, will also be at a significantly increased risk for blindness.

Astigmatism affects one out of every three people.

While it’s far from life-threatening, astigmatism does not go away. However, there are treatment options available to correct the condition, one of them being surgery. But is surgery is your only option? Let’s explore this.