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Cataracts affect the lives and vision of older adults around the world by causing cloudy, blurred vision. The good news is that cataracts are highly treatable with surgery and lens replacement. However, recognizing your risk factors and the early symptoms of this eye disease can ensure you get treatment fast and spend more years with excellent vision. As with any eye disease, knowing which preventive measures you can apply to your life are crucial for maintaining eye health.
No matter if you think you have cataracts or you are just interested in knowing more about them, staying informed is the best way to ensure you can see clearly for the foreseeable future. The expert cataract eye doctors at OCLI are your best defense against cataracts, and they would love to see you for your next eye exam. Do not let cataracts dictate your vision, cal our office today.
What Are Cataracts and Why Do They Impact So Many People?
Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases in the world, and consequently the United States, impacting more than half of all Americans over the age of 80. This is why it is crucial to understand your risk for cataracts and embark on a schedule of early prevention activities.
Cataracts occur when proteins in the lens of the eye start to form clumps which restrict vision and make the eye appear cloudy. The lens of the eye is responsible for focusing the light that enters the eye which allows you to see clearly. Typically around the age of 40, the proteins in the lens begin to break down gradually, which is why most of the population will be impacted by cataracts at some point in their life. It’s part of the natural aging process.
Since the proteins that accumulate restrict vision, one of the first signs of cataracts is cloudy vision. However, by the time you develop cloudy vision, your cataracts are already somewhat advanced.
The first noticeable signs of cataracts include:
- Halos around lights
- Colors appearing faded
- Double vision
- Artificial and sunlight appears too bright
- Inability to see clearly at night
- Having to change your eye glasses prescription often
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, start your search for an eye doctor near me, as soon as possible. Meeting with an optometrist is the first step towards addressing cataracts and other eye conditions. Give the nearest OCLI Vision office a call to schedule an appointment.
What Is Your Risk for Developing Cataracts?
Cataracts are known to occur more frequently with age, however, there are certain factors that may also increase your risk of developing them. If you have any of the risk factors listed below, it is best to schedule time to meet with a cataract eye doctor to assess your eye health and review your medical history for key markers. If you are starting to develop cataracts, your cataract eye doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and prevents your cataracts from progressing.
Risk factors that can accelerate the development of cataracts:
- Cataracts may occur due to disease or injury, so it’s important to get your eyes checked after any damage or if you have an autoimmune or ongoing health condition such as diabetes.
- Smoking increases your risk for cataracts and many other health issues! It’s best to quit now.
- Family history of cataracts.
- Previous eye surgery or radiation treatment on the upper part of your body may encourage the development of cataracts.
- Spending a lot of time in the sun without protective sunglasses.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
Are There Ways to Prevent Cataracts?
While there are some factors, such as your genetics and medical history, that cannot be changed that will impact your chances of developing cataracts, there are steps you can take to prevent and lengthening the amount of time you live without cataracts.
You can start by making a few lifestyle changes. For example, if you smoke, consider quitting as soon as possible. Smoking not only increases your chances for developing cataracts, it can cause a host of other serious medical conditions.
Additional lifestyle changes you can make to guard against cataracts include the following:
- Eat an eye-healthy diet. There are numerous vitamins and minerals that work to protect the eyes from disease, including vitamin A, zinc, and omega-3s, among many others. Make sure to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limited in processed foods to give your eyes the best support as you age.
- Wear UV-blocking glasses in the sun. Protecting your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun can help preserve your vision. Bright sunlight can hasten the development of cataracts and other eye conditions.
- Get regular eye exams. By far the best way to protect against cataracts is to meet with your optometrist or eye care doctor regularly for eye exams. Your eye care doctor will be able to pick up on the signs of cataracts before you develop any symptoms, helping you catch the problem when it is easy to treat. The experts at OCLI Vision are standing by to help you navigate the complex world of cataracts. Simply search for an eye exam near me, and select the OCLI Vision office nearest you.
When to Seek Help From an Eye Doctor Near Me at OCLI Vision
It can be scary when your vision changes, especially if it becomes unclear or cloudy. Luckily, the cataract doctors at OCLI Vision have spent years treating cataracts and developing innovative technologies used around the country to make cataract surgery more effective. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact the eye care doctor nearest you to schedule a comprehensive exam. Do not wait until your vision gets worse!
