HealthyLife Articles

Tag: lens

  • Cataracts Can Be Treated

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Elderly women getting her eyes checked by a doctor.

    The eye has a clear lens inside that allows you to focus on things. But, as we get older, the lens may not be clear anymore. Proteins inside the lens stick together, causing a cloudy spot. This is a cataract.

    Cataracts are common. More than half of people age 80 and over have cataracts or had cataract surgery.

    What causes cataracts?

    Cataracts cannot always be prevented. Many people get them simply from getting older. This is because proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down with time.

    But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting cataracts:

    *  Get regular eye exams.

    *  Don’t smoke – or quit if you do smoke.

    *  Limit or avoid alcohol.

    *  Protect your eyes with proper sunglasses and hats that shield the sun.

    *  Eat a healthy diet and get exercise. This can help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, which may cause cataracts.

    Do I have cataracts?

    Many people don’t realize they have cataracts. This is because changes in vision happen very slowly over time.

    People who have cataracts may notice:

    *  Colors look faded or yellowed; things look blurry or cloudy

    *  Seeing a “halo” around lights

    *  It’s harder to read without a very bright light

    *  Trouble with night vision

    *  Double vision in one eye

    What can I do about cataracts?

    While cataracts may take away your clear vision, there is good news. Many cataracts can be corrected with surgery.

    The operation usually takes less than an hour. The doctor will replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. Usually, no stitches are needed. You may also have the surgery without general anesthesia, or being put to sleep. The doctor will numb the eye area so you won’t feel anything.

    People usually have only minor pain afterward. You may need to use eye drops after surgery to help the eye heal, or wear a protective eye shield when you sleep. Your doctor can let you know when it is safe for you to drive and do other activities.

    In most cases, the eye is totally healed within a few weeks and vision is much better.

    Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Cataract Facts

    WELL-BEING

    Image of eye doctor and patient.

    With aging comes the possibility of developing cataracts. In fact, age is the primary risk factor for developing a clouding of the lens of one or both eyes.

    Smoking and diabetes may contribute to the proteins in the eye that clump together and begin to cloud vision, but wear and tear over the years is the main culprit, according to the National Eye Institute.

    If you have trouble identifying blues and purples, you may have what is called lens discoloration from a cataract forming. The condition can begin as early as age 40, but after age 60 is when cataracts start to reduce the sharpness of your vision.

    Other signs of cataract formation include glaring headlights and poor night vision, double vision, faded colors, or frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contacts.

    Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataracts. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They advise eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

    If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every 2 years. In addition to checking for cataracts, your eye care professional can check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your sight.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine