June Is Cataract Awareness Month
This month I would like to talk to you about cataracts. Statistically speaking, if there are two of you in the room where you are right now; likely, one of you will experience cataracts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that cataract is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Dr. Beth Ann Elson Esposito with Wal-Mart Vision Centers on Hornbeck Road in Morgantown, WV, explains that a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil and the colored iris and is normally transparent. The lens helps to focus images onto the retina – which transmits the images to the brain.
This clouded vision may make your vision seem like you are looking through waxed paper. Dr. Beth noted that it is also described as a glare or halo making it difficult to read, drive (especially at night), or see fine details such as the expression on a friend's face.
Some signs and symptoms of cataracts may include:
- Clouded, blurred or dim vision
- Increasing difficulty with vision at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
- Seeing "halos" around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in a single eye
There are several possible risk factors for cataracts, identified by the Mayo Clinic such as:
- Age
- Intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes
- Inflammation in the eye
- Hereditary influences
- Events before birth, such as German measles in the mother
- Long-term steroid use
- Eye injuries
- Eye diseases
- Smoking
Dr. Esposito stated that seeing your eye care provider for regular checkups is the single most important thing you can do to catch symptoms early. Changes may come on rapidly or may take years to progress. Initially, symptoms may be managed with stronger lighting or prescription lens changes; but eventually vision changes interfere with normal life activities and treatment, such as surgery may be required.
Seeing your eye care professional is the best way to keep up with early symptoms and treatments. You and your eye care professional can work together and discuss what options are best for your lifestyle.
How can Right at Home help? We can assist with transportation to and from appointments as well as assistance with daily cares such as help with cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Check out all of our services or contact us to discuss your situation.
To schedule an appointment with Dr, Esposito, you can email her at DrBethEspositoDO@gmail.com or contact her through the Walmart Vision Center located at Retail Circle in Morgantown, WV.
