June is Cataracts Awareness Month
June is Cataracts Awareness Month. Why is it so important to learn about, and get screened for, cataracts? Cataracts affect 70% of adults by age 75, and CDC data indicates that over 17% of adults above age 40 have a cataract in one or both eyes.
What are cataracts, and what are the signs I might have them?
Cataracts can’t be naturally prevented from forming. At around age 40, proteins in the eye lens begin to break down and form clumps. Over time, these form a cloudy area on the lens that obscures vision by preventing light from passing into the eye.
While you may not notice symptoms in the early months or years of cataract formation, later indications that you may have cataracts include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Faded perception of colors
- Poor night vision
- Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright
- Halos surrounding streetlamps or other lights
- Double vision (this may be temporary and stop as the cataract gets larger)
- Needing to change your eyeglass or contacts prescription more often
Who is at risk for cataracts?
Though aging is the primary risk factor for developing cataracts, research has linked these other factors to earlier development and faster progression:
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Smoking
- Long-term steroid use
- Diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure
- Prior injuries or surgeries
When speaking with your eye specialist to assess your risk for cataracts and other eye diseases, expect to answer questions concerning your personal health history, your family health history, and your lifestyle habits.
What are my treatment options for cataracts?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the U.S., with approximately four million surgeries performed each year. The procedure involves the surgeon removing the cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) made of silicone or acrylic. There are several types of IOLs that may be used, depending on your vision needs:
- Monofocal IOLs are the most common, and are used to improve distance vision. You may still need glasses for close vision.
- Multifocal IOLs correct for near and distance vision simultaneously.
- Accommodative IOLs can change shape or move inside your eye to correct your vision for different distances.
- Toric IOLs are only used for patients with astigmatism.
The best treatment for cataracts is to prevent them from occurring in the first place, or to at least catch them in their early stages and prevent their further growth.
How can I prevent cataracts?
According to the American Association of Ophthalmology (AAO), lifestyle habits are key to preventing cataracts from forming and to slowing their progression. Here are some steps you can take today to protect your eyes from cataracts.
- Eat a diet rich in vitamin C, such as:
- Citrus fruit (lemons, oranges, grapefruit)
- Bell peppers
- Berries (especially strawberries)
- Tomatoes, and
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower)
- Quit smoking
- Control underlying medical issues like diabetes and hypertension
- Keep your annual eye doctor appointments
Where can I find more information?
For more information on cataracts, and their prevention, and treatment, check out these resources:
- PreventBlindness.org/cataract
- PreventBlindness.org/cataract-surgery
- Guide to Cataract Surgery
- “Understanding Cataract” an episode of the “Focus on Eye Health Expert Series”
- AAO’s Eye Health Information for Adults Over 65 page
- PreventBlindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/
Guest post By Margalo Eden
The views expressed by the author may not reflect the views of Age Safe America, LLC. The content here should not be taken as medical, legal or financial advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your own healthcare, legal or financial professional with any questions.