August is National Cataract Awareness month, so we thought we would review what cataracts are, how they form, symptoms, and treatment options.
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps focus light and images. They are primarily made up of proteins and water. As the body ages, that protein can clump together, resulting in a clouding of the lens or a cataract. This affects the ability of the eye to see clearly. Vision is hindered and image sharpness decreased due to a reduction of the light that reaches the retina. Typically, a cataract starts out small and progressively grows over time causing vision to become duller and more blurry.
Age-related cataracts can appear as early as 40 to 50 years of age. However, during that time the cataract is usually not large enough to alter vision. Most cataracts begin to impair vision after the age of 60.
In addition to aging, researchers believe cataracts can result from general eye wear and tear, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, poor nutrition, or prolonged exposure to sunlight. At-risk individuals can help postpone the enlargement of cataracts by wearing sunglasses and/or a hat, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and developing good nutritional habits including high amounts of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts:
Early cataracts are treated by changing eyeglass strength, using anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If symptoms do not diminish and begin to interfere with normal daily activities, surgery is an option. This involves replacing the natural eye lens with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is very common in the United States and is considered one of the safest types of surgery. It is extremely effective with the majority of people having better vision afterwards. Whites will be whiter, colors truer, and vision clearer overall!
By:
August is National Cataract Awareness month, so we thought we would review what cataracts are, how they form, symptoms, and treatment options.
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps focus light and images. They are primarily made up of proteins and water. As the body ages, that protein can clump together, resulting in a clouding of the lens or a cataract. This affects the ability of the eye to see clearly. Vision is hindered and image sharpness decreased due to a reduction of the light that reaches the retina. Typically, a cataract starts out small and progressively grows over time causing vision to become duller and more blurry.
Age-related cataracts can appear as early as 40 to 50 years of age. However, during that time the cataract is usually not large enough to alter vision. Most cataracts begin to impair vision after the age of 60.
In addition to aging, researchers believe cataracts can result from general eye wear and tear, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, poor nutrition, or prolonged exposure to sunlight. At-risk individuals can help postpone the enlargement of cataracts by wearing sunglasses and/or a hat, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and developing good nutritional habits including high amounts of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts:
Early cataracts are treated by changing eyeglass strength, using anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If symptoms do not diminish and begin to interfere with normal daily activities, surgery is an option. This involves replacing the natural eye lens with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is very common in the United States and is considered one of the safest types of surgery. It is extremely effective with the majority of people having better vision afterwards. Whites will be whiter, colors truer, and vision clearer overall!
By: Christin Yokiel, BS, ACSM-CPT, Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer at VHWFC
References:
The National Eye Institute (www.nei.nih.gov/)
www.yoursightmatters.com
www.strong-eyes.com/articles/cataract.html
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