As we embark on the journey of aging, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and our eyes are no exception. One common age-related eye condition that affects many seniors is cataracts. Understanding cataracts, how they form, the different types, their impact on seniors, and the proactive steps we can take to prevent them are empowering ways to maintain our eye health.
June is Cataract Awareness Month. See The Possibilities is a national educational resource for the Canadian public on vision health. It provides Canadians with credible, engaging information about eye health and serious eye diseases so that they can take action to protect their vision.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a condition in which the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision. The lens, ordinarily clear, focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. This clarity is lost when cataracts develop, causing vision to become blurred or dim. Generally, cataracts develop as we age; however, in some cases, they can progress over a few months.
How Do Cataracts Form?
Cataracts form primarily due to the aging process. Over time, proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, creating cloudy areas. This clumping interferes with the passage of light through the lens, resulting in blurred vision.
Factors that may Contribute to Cataracts:
- Genetics can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts.
- Diabetes may put you at a higher risk.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use can lead to an increased risk of cataracts.
- Prolonged UV Exposure: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can damage the lens.
- Medications: Certain medications, like corticosteroids, can lead to cataract formation.
Can You Prevent Cataracts?
While there is no 100-percent effective way to prevent cataracts, especially when it relates to family history, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing this condition.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fight Inflammation
One study examined 71,083 women and found that those with a higher omega-3 intake had a reduced risk of cataracts.
Foods High in Antioxidants
Yellow and green leafy vegetables can help prevent damaged lens fibre proteins from clumping together and causing cataracts.
Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
People who are deficient in this vitamin suffer from a dry cornea, which can lead to clouding of the front of the eye, corneal ulcers and vision loss.
Fruits and Vegetables
We should eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day! They have great health benefits, including preventing cataracts, as they contain plant chemicals known as phytochemicals, which are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
Treatment for Cataracts
Eyeglasses or contact lenses can usually correct slight vision changes caused by early cataracts, but they cannot sharpen your vision if you have a severe cataract.
Consider cataract surgery if a cataract affects your vision enough to interfere with your everyday lifestyle. Your ophthalmologist can help you decide if surgery is best for you.
During this outpatient surgical procedure, an ophthalmologist removes the cataract by opening a small cornea at the front of the eye. The cloudy lens is broken into small pieces and removed through an ultrasonically vibrating needle that acts as a miniature “jackhammer.” A synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) replaces the focusing power of the natural lens.
Cataract surgery is a highly successful operation, with over 1.5 million people undergoing this procedure every year in North America. The success rate is over 95%, providing a high level of confidence in the effectiveness of the surgery.
Promyse Home Care Companion Service
Companion Care at Promyse Home Care is a specialized form of assistance tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, offering additional support in day-to-day activities.
If your loved one has vision challenges or is recovering from cataract surgery, they may need some compassionate care. Unlike conventional caregiving, our companion care services focus on fostering genuine connections, emotional well-being, social engagement, and overall happiness.
