August is Cataract Awareness Month
August 2, 2010 Leave a Comment
A cataract is the clouding of the lens that causes progressive loss of vision. Cataracts usually occur in the later years of life. By the age of 80, more than half of the senior population will have cataracts or will have had them removed. Cataracts can also be congenital or caused by many things, including trauma to the eye. Cataracts can’t always be avoided however a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables, not smoking and protecting your eyes when you are outside by wearing sunglasses that block out UV rays can help. If you are experiencing blurred vision or sensitivity to bright light, you may be developing cataracts. Please see your eye doctor regularly in ensure early detection and treatment of cataracts and other eye diseases. The following photos compare normal vision to vision that is obstructed with cataracts:
Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is also available to help with low vision assessments, counseling and rehabilitative training. Please ask us about our services or visit our programs page.
For more information about cataracts:
Merck Online Manuals Library – Cataracts
Photos courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, www.nei.nih.gov.
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