Cataracts:
The Affliction of Older Eyes
More than half of all Americans
over the age of 65 have cataracts – a clouding of the lens
of the eye that can impair vision.
Cataracts are actually a buildup
of protein in the lens that causes the cloudy appearance. This cloudiness
prevents light from passing through a normally clear lens, causing
some loss of vision. No one knows what causes the buildup of protein
responsible for clouding the lens.
There are several types of cataracts.
They include:
- Age-related cataracts, which develop as we
advance in years.
- Congenital cataracts. Babies are sometimes
born with cataracts as a result of an infection they had before
they were born. These may also develop during childhood.
- Secondary cataracts. Other diseases, like
diabetes, or long-term exposure to toxic substances, certain
medications (such as corticosteroids or diuretics), ultraviolet
light, and radiation may cause the lens of the eye to become
cloudy.
- Traumatic cataracts. Injury to the eye may
cause cataracts to form.
Other factors can increase a person's risk
of developing this condition, including exposure to cigarette smoke
and air pollution, or heavy alcohol consumption.
Symptoms
Cataracts often form slowly and
cause few symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:
- Cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy vision
- Sudden nearsightedness
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Poor night vision
- Problems with glare and light sensitivity
- Double vision (usually in one eye)
- Sudden temporary improvement in close-up
vision
- A need for prescription changes
- Needing brighter light to read
Diagnosis
Your eye doctor will perform a
series of tests to determine if cataracts are present. He/she will
also dilate your pupil in order to examine the condition of the
lens and other parts of the eye.
Treatment
How your cataracts are treated depends on how they have affected your vision. If the damage is
minor, simple prescription changes may improve your vision. If the
cataracts cause vision loss that impairs your daily routine, you
may need surgery, which involves removing the clouded lens and replacing
it with a clear, plastic lens.
Prevention and a safe
help in Treatment
You can help prevent cataracts
by using supplements to support eye health. The nutrient lutein
has been proven in numerous scientific studies to support the health
of the eye and reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant
that binds itself to toxins, allowing them to be flushed from the
body through the liver. This antioxidant has been shown to support
eye health.
Diet
Lutein can be found in leafy,
dark green vegetables and egg yolks, although we can’t consume
enough to guarantee eye health and should still take supplements.
|
