Cataracts are preventable, treatable
August 20, 2008
Cataracts are among a growing set of health problems that we will see more of because of the aging population.
Knowledge is the best weapon to prevent them.
By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
There are a variety of types of cataracts. Secondary cataracts can form after other eye problems such as glaucoma or as a complication of diabetes, smoking or steroid use. Traumatic cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later. Congenital cataracts are found in babies or sometimes develop in childhood. Cataracts also can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.
Let's cover some basics. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes, but does not spread from one eye to the other.
The term "cataract" refers to the clouding of the lens of the eye. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image you see will be blurred.
The lens works much like the lens of a camera focusing light, adjusting the eye's focus and letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.
It is made up of proteins and water. As we age, these proteins may clump together, causing clouding.
Risk factors for cataracts are certain diseases such as diabetes, use of tobacco or alcohol, and prolonged exposure to sunlight and age.
You can protect your vision by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat while in the sun. If you use tobacco products, stop. Eat a balanced diet and include lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits and other foods with antioxidants.
If you are older than 60, you should have a comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least every two years.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of cataracts, see your eye-care professional: cloudy or blurry vision; colors seem faded; the glare of headlights, lamps or sunlight appears too bright; a halo appears around lights; poor night vision; double vision or multiple images in one eye; or frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Treatment of cataracts depends on the severity of the problem.
The bottom line: This is your health, so be proactive. Don't "just deal with it." Cataracts are, for the most part, treatable.