Cataracts are an ocular disorder that involves the clouding of a person’s lens in their eye. It leads to poor vision and blindness. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans over the age of 40, with about half of all Americans having it by 75. This article will teach you about preventative measures eye doctors suggest you take before you get cataracts, as well as treatment options available if you already have them.
Prevention
Cataracts can be prevented through a variety of means. A big one is to abstain from smoking or quit if you already started. While this is easier said than done if you are addicted to nicotine, smoking or chewing tobacco increases your odds of getting cataracts and other nasty illnesses.
The same goes for drinking. You don’t have to completely quit drinking alcohol, but drinking in excess is another risk factor for developing cataracts. So, if you feel yourself getting tipsy, make sure to order a few glasses of water.
Eating healthy is a more proactive preventative measure. Getting plenty of leafy greens that are loaded with antioxidants significantly improves your chances of fending off cataracts as you age.
Another tip is to protect your eyes from the sun. UV rays from the sun can speed up the formation of cataracts, so have a pair of sunglasses and a hat on hand for sunny days. Make sure your sunglass lenses prevent both UVA and UVB light to get the full benefit.
Finally, go to regular eye doctor checkups to monitor the overall health of your eyes. It is suggested that you schedule an eye doctor appointment once every year, at least. If you’re experiencing any sort of negative symptoms with your eyes, go in straight away to get it sorted. Catching cataracts and other diseases of the eye early can save you from going blind.
Treatment
Treatment is dependent on how advanced your cataracts have become. If you have a mild form of cataracts, corrective lenses and prescription sunglasses may be able to stave it off for quite some time. However, more advanced cases will require surgery.
Cataracts surgery is a common procedure in the US, so it won’t be hard to find a qualified and experienced surgeon in your area. During the procedure, the lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Your vision may be blurry for a few days as the eyes heal, but you will notice significant improvements in the weeks ahead.
Losing your vision to cataracts can be a frightening reality to face. If you want to maintain the health of your eyes, make sure to take preventative measures and see your eye doctor regularly. If you are already facing that reality, put your mind at ease knowing that a common and safe procedure can be performed to rectify the problem and give you your sight back. To learn more about cataracts and what an optometrist can do for you, contact the NV Optometry today.