Some of the most enjoyable events in life are the simple pleasures.
Watching a movie, seeing your children and grandchildren grow, or
reading a favorite magazine can be wonderful moments. Many older
adults feel that these simple pleasures are beginning to slip away
as they experience problems with their vision.
“Losing vision is common for older adults and cataracts are
one of the leading causes of the condition,” says Paul Dell’Aquila,
MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs for the Saint Barnabas Health
Care System Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers, which supports eight
nursing and rehabilitation centers and two assisted living residences
throughout New Jersey. “In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology
reports more than 20 million people, over the age of 40, have cataracts.”
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally transparent
lens of the eye. This condition prevents light from passing through
the lens and focusing on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue
lining the back of the eye. According to Dr. Dell’Aquila,
symptoms of cataracts may include blurred vision; light and glare
sensitivity; increased nearsightedness; or distorted images in either
eye.
There is hope for people who experience vision loss as a result
of cataracts and there are ways to prevent vision loss, which may
be unrelated to cataracts, before it begins.
• . “Wearing sunglasses
or a hat that shades the sun from your eyes
is good practice to reduce your eyes’ exposure
to UV light,” suggests Dr. Dell’Aquila.
Studies have shown that those who spend much
of their time in the sun or who live in high
altitudes develop cataracts earlier than
others.
• . Regular eye exams
are important for overall eye health.
• . Protecting your eyes when
engaging in daily activities such as mowing
the lawn, painting, or cleaning with harsh
chemicals, is a simple way to prevent unnecessary
injury or damage to the eye which can lead
to vision problems, adds Dr. Dell’Aquila.
“Most importantly, be aware of changes
in your vision and don’t hesitate to
contact your physician if you notice anything
different in regards to your sight,” advises
Dr. Dell’Aquila. “Early intervention
is one of the most effective methods of eliminating
or reducing the severity of eye disease and
cataract formation.”
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