Did you know that there are over twenty-two million people over the age of 40 in the U.S. who have cataracts? So, the big question, what is a cataract? Well, a cataract is clouding on the lens of the eye. Those who have cataracts have clouded vision that makes it harder to drive a vehicle or perhaps read a book or the newspaper.
In the beginning early symptoms will affect vision slightly. As time goes on, if the problem is left untreated it will definitely get worse. One thing to point out is that cataracts seem to be the most common cause of blindness in people who are over the age of 40 so therefore, it?s important that people understand the cataract symptoms.
Symptoms of cataracts include blurred or clouded vision, sensitivity to light, seeing halos surrounding lights, increased difficulty with vision at night, double vision in one eye, colors appear faded or somewhat yellow, frequent changes in your contact or eyeglass prescription.
Any changes in your vision that you notice, you should make an appointment to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will decide what the best form of action is.
There are different things that can cause cataracts. Some people develop cataracts as they get older, others may have genetic disorders that can have an impact on developing cataracts. Other people may develop cataracts from an eye injury, diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight. High blood pressure, obesity, smoking, a previous eye surgery, excess alcohol consumption, excess exposure to ionizing radiation such as cancer radiation therapy or X-rays, and even the prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.
When symptoms of cataracts first appear, appropriate visual aids such as new glasses or strong bifocals may help improve your vision. As the symptoms progress, however, it may be time to consider cataract surgery, which is now the most commonly performed surgery in the United States. Every year, more than 3 million people in the U.S. undergo cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is where the clouded lens is removed and replace with an intraocular lens or IOL. The IOLs of today have been developed to increase overall vision, block blue light and ultraviolet rays which help to provide protection for your eyes.
Many eye doctors recommend eating healthier diets to improve vision and to increase antioxidant intake. To learn more about what you can do to protect or treat an eye problem, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as you can.
About the author: Bill White sheds some light on cataracts at What Are Cataracts. Bill also takes a closer look at glaucoma at What Is Glaucoma.
Source: http://newhealthandfitness.org/2012/02/14/what-are-cataracts/
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