SHARP VISION. SHARP MIND.
Want to protect your independence? Protect your eyesight!
Don’t be blind to the signs of eye disease, know the facts. The chances of developing Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration increase as you age.
June is cataract awareness month. Are you aware Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and the leading cause of blindness in the world? A Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. The majority of cataract patients today are women, a trend that will continue.
Types of cataracts include:
- Age-related—95 percent of cataracts are age-related, usually after age 40
- Congenital—These are present at birth, usually caused by infection or inflammation during pregnancy; possibly inherited
- Traumatic—Lens damage from a hard blow, cut, puncture, intense heat or chemical burn may cause cataracts
- Secondary—Some medicines, eye disease, eye infection, or diseases such as diabetes cause these cataracts
- Radiation—Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation
The National Eye Institute projects there will be an epidemic of blindness if we don't raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations, and stress that to preserve vision, early diagnosis of any eye disease is vital.
Unlike many eye diseases, however, vision loss due to cataracts can be restored. Cataract surgery is safe and one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States and has a 95 percent success rate. Cataract surgery requires a surgeon to remove the deteriorated lens and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL. Only a miniscule incision in the cornea is necessary to do this procedure. Over 3 million Americans undergo cataract surgery annually, making it one of the most common surgeries in the United States. In fact, the entire surgery lasts only about 20 minutes, and most people can soon resume normal activities.
A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to protect your sight, remember vision changes can occur as young as 40 years old. It is so important for Boomers, Seniors and the elderly to have regular eye exams, including eye dilation.
Cataract symptoms progress over time and can include:
- Painless cloudy, blurry or dim vision
- More difficultly seeing at night or in low light
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing halos
- Faded or yellow colors
- Double vision within one eye
- A need for bright light for reading
Be proactive about your eye health. There is no proven way to prevent age-related cataracts. However, choosing a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of cataracts. Some ways to delay the progression of cataracts include avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to UV rays, eating healthy foods, and wearing proper eye protection to avoid eye injury.
Eat healthy foods rich in nutrients that specifically benefit the eyes. Carrots may be the food best known for helping your eyes, but other foods and their nutrients may be more important for keeping your eyesight keen as you age. In addition to vitamin A, vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids all play a role in eye health.
To further protect your eyesight try to exercise more, quit smoking NOW, and stay away from second hand smoke. Remember to wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors, even on a cloudy day. Ask your doctor about eye healthy supplements and antioxidants.
Your sight matters! Can’t drive to the Ophthalmologist? Need help getting to and from Cataract surgery? Visiting Angels can provide transportation to and from the doctor’s office as part of our companionship care services, and assist with any after surgery protocols and drops or medications. If you are visually impaired, we can help with the daily routine, and also take you shopping for healthy foods and prepare nutritious meals. Angels help you run errands, do some light housekeeping, and provide medication reminders if you like. We even walk your dog. Contact me directly, or owner Colleen Haggerty at 561-328-7611 to find out more about companion care services in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, Wellington and West Palm Beach.
Till next time!
Irv Seldin, JD., Owner and CEO of Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*Article not intended as medical advice.