If you have developed cataracts, you know how they can affect every area of your life. Participating in the activities you used to enjoy like reading, driving, and shopping have become a challenge. If you have developed cataracts, you know how they can affect every area of your life. Participating in the activities you used to enjoy like reading, driving, and shopping have become a challenge. Cataracts are the biggest reason for vision loss in people over age 40 and is the main cause of blindness around the world.There are some things you can do to manage your cataracts and live a healthier, more well-rounded life. For a consultation regarding Orange County Lasik and cataract surgery, contact Dr. Ghosheh today.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. There are three types of cataracts:
• Subcapsular cataract: Occurs at the back of the lens. If you have diabetes or are taking high doses of steroid medications, you have a greater risk of developing this type of cataract.
• Nuclear cataract: Forms deep in the central zone, or nucleus, of the lens. This is the type of cataract that is usually are associated with aging.
• Cortical cataract: Characterized by white, wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the center in a spoke-like fashion. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the central nucleus.
What Are the Causes Cataracts?
The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps it clear, so the light can pass through.
Sometimes, the protein may clump together in small areas, clouding the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, it may cloud more of the lens, making it harder and harder to see.
Aside from advancing age, factors that put you at risk for cataracts include:
• UV radiation from the sun or other sources
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
• Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
• Previous eye injury or inflammation
• Previous eye surgery
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Significant alcohol consumption
• High myopia
• Family history of cataracts
Managing Your Cataract Diagnosis
Take Extra Care While Driving
When you have cataracts, the light from streetlights or headlights from oncoming vehicles can cause a glare that seems blinding. Consult with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to drive. If it isn’t, check out the many alternatives online like getting a bus and/or railway pass, using Uber or Lyft, or arranging for a friend or family member to drive you.
Accept Help from Family and Friends
Don’t be too shy or embarrassed to accept help from family and friends. They can be a lot of help around the house, for example, when you are still getting used to having blurry vision. You can ask a friend to take you to the grocery store, have a family member pick you up for a visit, or make some fun and have your grandchild read to you from their favorite book.
Have Regular Eye Exams
It is especially important to keep up-to-date on your eye exams when managing a condition like cataracts. Your ophthalmologist will track the progression of your condition and can determine the best time for surgery. They can also advise you further on how to manage your symptoms, and give you lifestyle tips that can help slow the advance of the cataracts.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Fresh produce contains nutrients that are vital to healthy eyes. A theory of cataract formation that is gaining favor is that it is caused by oxidative changes in the lens. This is supported by studies that show that fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants may help prevent certain types of cataracts.
Explore All Treatment Options
There are a few temporary solutions when treating cataracts, like strong glasses, magnification, appropriate lighting, and other vision aids. But ultimately surgery is the only permanent solution. Today, laser surgery is the norm and is very successful in restoring vision. In fact, cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States.
Orange County Lasik & Cataract Surgery
Living with cataracts doesn’t mean you can’t life a full and rewarding life. You just have to take precaution and educate yourself about your condition. Contact Dr. Gosheh at Advanced Eye Medical to schedule your free consultation for Orange County Lasik and cataract surgery today at 949-582-1090.