Cataracts are a very common eye condition in patients of advancing age. In fact, most people over the age of 40 show evidence of some cataract development. So it is clear that cataracts are inevitable for many patients. But once you have developed them, does that mean you are stuck with them?
Your eye’s natural lens is made of a combination of proteins and water. At first, the proteins are positioned evenly with enough space to allow light to travel through the lens. As you age, however, the proteins restructure, causing the lens to become increasingly cloudy and opaque. The more the proteins restructure, the less light is able to travel through the lens.
Cataracts tend to blur a patient’s vision and cause colours to become dull and murky.
Although almost everyone will develop cataracts at some point, there are some factors that put you at a higher risk than others. These factors include:
There are a few simple lifestyle choices you can make to help prevent or delay the development of cataracts.
Everyone loves spending time in the sun. But UV radiation could have a permanent impact on your eyes. You can help prevent the development of cataracts by making sure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection before you step outside.
Not sure how much UV protection your sunglasses offer? No worries! We carry a wide range of stylish and popular sunglasses; each with 100% UV protection. Browse our stellar selection of sunglass brands.
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and while you should never avoid a trip to the doctor, there is some truth to that. Studies indicate that certain nutrients (specifically vitamins C and E) could help prevent cataracts.
To a certain extent, cataracts can be treated with low vision aids and regularly updated prescriptions, however, there comes a time when the cataract must be eliminated for the patient to retain their eyesight.
Cataract surgery is a relatively simple yet incredibly effective method of restoring a patient’s eyesight. The ophthalmologist uses a small, ultrasonic tool to break up the cloudy pieces of the eye’s natural lens. Once the pieces have been eliminated, the lens is replaced with an implant called an intraocular lens or IOL. This implant functions just like your eye’s natural lens, giving you clear vision with rich, vibrant colours.
We will check in with you after your surgery to make sure everything went well and you are healing the way you are supposed to. You will most likely enjoy clear vision within 24 hours of surgery, but remember that everyone is different. Remember to avoid any strenuous physical activity for a few weeks after surgery.
We’re your local Airdrie optometrist, proudly serving our local Airdrie community. Our team is excited to meet you and become part of your family’s eye health. Find us on Main Street, just south of the Safeway in Tower Lane Mall.
* Closed on long weekends
Airdire Family Eye Doctors
