Cataracts Awareness Month: Understanding and Managing Cataracts
June is Cataracts Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on one of the most common eye conditions affecting people worldwide.
What are Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by the clouding of the eye’s lens, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. The clouding of the lens can be compared to looking through a fogged-up window and can eventually make it difficult to do things like read or drive a car.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Most conditions develop slowly and will not disturb the quality of your vision at first, however, with time, it will eventually begin to impact the quality of a person’s sight.
Some common symptoms and signs to look for are:
Clouded or blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact prescription
Fading or yellowing of colors
Double vision
Who is at Risk?
Most cases of cataracts are age related and if you live long enough you will get cataracts. After the age of 40, the proteins in your eye’s lens begin to break down. Once they break down, these proteins start to clump together, causing a clouding around the eye’s lens. Those over the age of 60 are more at risk for developing the condition, however, other things like diabetes and eye injuries can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts. According to the National Eye Institute, you may be at higher risk for developing cataracts if you:
Smoke
Drink excess amounts of alcohol
Have a family history of the condition
Have had an eye injury or surgery
Have spend a lot of time in the sun
Take steroids
What does treatment look like?
Surgery is the only way to get rid of cataracts, however, it may not be needed immediately. If cataracts begin to get in the way of everyday activities, it may be time to consider surgery. During this operation, your Ophthalmologist will remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is the second most frequently done surgery done every year in the US.
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips
Although cataracts cannot be entirely prevented, there are some steps you can take to protect your eyes.
Wear sunglasses and wide brimmed hats when in the sun to protect your eyes from UV rays.
When working with power tools or partaking in certain sports, wear eye protection to prevent injury.
Quit smoking.
Incorporate foods like leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, and fruits with antioxidants into your diet to give your eyes the nutrients they need.
When to See a Doctor
Regular eye exams and early intervention play a crucial role in maintaining clear vision. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of cataracts or would like to learn more, we're here to help. If you begin to notice any changes to your vision — schedule an appointment today with our knowledgeable eye care team and take the first step toward better eye health and visual clarity.
Sources:
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts
