Due to the aging process, a number of eye conditions can develop causing your vision to dwindle. A specific affection is called a cataract, and strikes the majority of people as they grow older. It is important for you to understand what causes this eye issue and the measures you can take to prevent it whenever possible.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract emerges when the lens of the eye, normally a clear window allowing light and color to pass into the eye, becomes clouded or obscured. Over time, a yellow-brown pigment builds up on this clear lens. Light can no longer enter the eye freely and the patient begins to have difficulty seeing colors as vibrantly as before. Over time, vision diminishes until activities such as reading and driving become very demanding.
Prevention
Despite the fact that cataracts develop over time, their development is not predestined for everyone . Although you can’t avoid aging, you can change adjust some of your daily behaviors to minimize your risk of developing cataracts. Your optometrist recommends a few ways to maintain good eye health.
Wear Sunglasses
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a direct contributor to the formation of cataracts later in life. Wearing sunglasses with UV block help you avoid a number of eye diseases including cataracts.
Don’t Smoke
Smokers have a significantly higher chance of developing cataracts as their nonsmoking counterparts. An optometrist will present a list of detailed reasons to quit smoking and cataracts are one of the major eye health reasons.
Handle Your Health
Various diseases and medications cause vision issues, including cataracts. Always consult your medical doctor about the impact a new medication may have on your eye health.
Annual Eye Exams
Your optometrist is your first line of defense in warding off eye health trouble. While it may take a long time for you to notice the very gradual vision changes resulting from a cataract or other eye condition, your eye doctor can usually diagnose these very quickly and recommend a mitigation strategy based on the stage of the problem.
Treatment
Surgery is typically required to effectively correct cataracts. Current surgical techniques use lasers and result in very little downtime. The lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens.
Cataracts are a treatable condition that most people could potentially suffer from at some point in their lives. Take measures now to help prevent the development of cataracts later on in life and always talk to your Phoenix optometrist if you notice any changes in your vision.
