Vital Vision

In order to consider the best plan of defense against something, first we need to understand what it is. Cataracts are a natural part of aging. When the proteins break down and clump together, the lens becomes cloudy. The cloudy clumps of broken down proteins prevent light rays from passing to the retina. The retina is a thin layer of nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye. Anyone can have cataracts however the condition is more common in adults around the age of 40 years old and older.

Recent CDC data indicates that more than 17% of adults have a cataract in one or both eyes.

There are several types of cataracts:

·  Age-related cataracts.

·  Congenital cataracts. (develop in birth or early childhood)

·  Secondary cataracts. (disease related)

·  Traumatic cataracts.

Did you know that some lifestyle and health behavior may influence when and how early a cataract starts to form.

According to the UNC School of Ophthalmology, risk factors include the following:

·  excessive sunlight exposure

·  smoking

·  long-term use of steroid medication

·  diabetes

·  obesity

·  high blood pressure

·  prior eye surgery

·  eye injuries

We hope that you are already scheduling a comprehensive eye exam each year. Give us a call at Advanced Eye Care 205-942-7740 so we can answer your questions.

By the age of 40, adults should screen for cataracts and other eye diseases that could cause blindness or vision problems.

The symptoms may be different for each person:

·  Cloudy or blurry vision

·  Lights causing a glare or a halo

·  Poor night vision

·  Double vision

·  Colors seeming faded

·  Increased nearsightedness