Cloudy vision in patients 50 years of age or older is often a symptom of cataracts, which happens to be one of leading causes of blindness. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the combined number of patients with macular degeneration and glaucoma do not come close to the number of patients with cataracts on a global level.

In the United States alone, more than 22 million people suffer from cataracts, and this figure is likely to climb as the elderly population increases. The cloudy vision that is experienced due to cataracts is often caused by nuclear sclerosis. In this case, patients experience a hardening of the eye lens, which can be found beneath, or behind, the iris and pupil.

Aside from cloudy vision, patients may also experience nearsightedness while still being able to read but unable to distinguish shapes at certain distances.

The risk factors that lead to this ocular condition are numerous, and the most common is aging along with diabetes, tobacco smoking, certain medications, genetics, and excessive exposure to direct sunlight. In Costa Rica, cataract surgery rates rose 100 percent from 2005 and 2008, according to a longitudinal study conducted in 2008 by researchers from Argentina and Paraguay.

Many patients who have enjoyed optimal and healthy vision for most of their lives will suddenly become afflicted with this condition, which can be effectively treated with a surgical procedure. Cataract removal involves the replacement of the anatomical lens with an intraocular version. The cataract buildup of brown pigment is dissolved with an ultrasonic instrument and removed with precision suction devices.

Many healthcare plans in the United States do not pay for cataract surgery, which is a painless and relatively simple procedure. For this reason, Costa Rica is a common destination for medical tourists seeking this treatment, which can greatly increase quality of life.

For more information about cataract surgery in Costa Rica, visit Costa Rica Medical Guide.