Cataract -- a clouding of the lens of the eye -- is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 55. More than half of people over age 65 have some degree of cataracts development, and more than half of people over age 80 either have a cataract or have had cataracts surgery.
Symptoms include:
- Blurry vision.
- Colors that appear faded.
- Glare.
- Difficulty seeing well at night.
- Double vision.
If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional.
To educate people about this common but curable eye condition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology sponsors awareness sessions and information workshops in conjunction with Cataracts Awareness Month, which takes place each August. If you'd like to participate in these activities, contact your ophthalmologist. If you don't have an ophthalmologist, visit the Academy's Web site at www.aao.org to find one in your area.
During August, the Academy's public-service program -- EyeCare America -- encourages people to call the Seniors EyeCare Program. This year-round program promotes annual eye examines for people 65 and older, raises awareness on age-related eye diseases, and facilitates access to eye exams and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket expense to qualifying seniors. To see if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 and older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call 1-800-222-EYES (3937) or visit www.eyecareamerica.org.
You’re at increased risk of cataracts if you have diabetes, smoke, or have a family history of cataracts. In 2009, researchers identified several genetic mutations that are associated with age-related cataracts.
Other risk factors include:
- Extensive exposure to sunlight.
- Serious eye injury or inflammation.
- Prolonged use of steroids, especially combined use of oral and inhaled steroids.
- Current use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A 2010 study published in the journal Ophthalmology established this link for the first time. But the researchers emphasized that the benefits of treating depression -- which can be life-threatening -- still outweigh the risk of developing cataracts.
You can reduce your risk of a cataract by wearing UV-rated sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you go outdoors during the day. A 2010 study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science suggested that UV-absorbing hydrogel contact lenses may be especially effective in preventing sun damage. In that study, researchers exposed rabbits to the equivalent of 16 hours a day of sunlight exposure -- enough to induce corneal changes. The rabbits which wore the UV-blocking contact lenses were not affected.
If you have diabetes, it's important to control your blood sugar with diet, exercise, and medication if needed. If you smoke, ask your doctor about strategies that can help you quit.
Researchers have long recommended eating more green leafy vegetables, fruits, and other antioxidant-rich foods to help prevent a cataract. A study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology also suggested that caffeine may help prevent a cataract formation. So a strong cup of coffee in the morning may not just help get you going. It also may help preserve your vision.
If you're age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. If you have early signs of cataract, new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses may help. But if these measures don't improve your symptoms, the only effective treatment is surgery, which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
Like any surgery, cataract surgery carries a risk of infection and bleeding. But it's recognized as one of the safest and most effective types of surgery, with a success rate of about 90 percent.
Copyright © 2010 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
To learn more about when the time is right to consider cataracts surgery, consult your eye care professional or visit the Academy's consumer guide to cataracts surgery at http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/cataract-surgery.cfm.
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