What are cataracts exactly and how do you know if you have one? Well, behind the iris is the lens of the eye. The lens will take the light coming in to the eye and bend it so that it forms an image on the retina. It is in the lens of the eye that cataracts occur.

Symptoms of Cataracts

· Blurred vision (especially at distance)

· sensitivity to light

· trouble with glare

· finding that colors are not as bright as they once were

· frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

· increase in glare while drive at night from oncoming headlights

Most cataracts associated with aging develop slowly, many patients do not notice their visual loss until it has become severe. Patients have described seeing through a cataract is like looking through a cloudy or dirty piece of glass. Some cataracts remain small and never need treatment; others grow more quickly and progressively larger. Only when a cataract seriously interferes with normal activities is it time to consider surgery. If you have been diagnosed with cataract, extra light can aid in reading. Since the cataract blocks light, the extra light will make it easier to read. Make sure that the light is coming from behind you as opposed to from the front. Light coming from in front of you can reflect off of your reading material and cause glare. It is helpful to have a lamp with a goose neck so that you can adjust the light to see the best.

Why do we get Cataracts?

No one knows exactly why the eye’s lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Researchers are slowly starting to identify factors that may cause cataracts — and information that may help to prevent them. Many studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with cataract development, so eyecare practitioners recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to decrease your exposure.The same goes for users of steroids, diuretics and major tranquilizers, but more studies are needed to distinguish the effect of the disease from the consequences of the drugs themselves.

Preventing Cataracts

How can you protect yourself from making your cataracts visually significant? Some eyecare practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E, may stall cataract development. While eating a lot of salt may increase your risk. Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption.

If you feel that your vision is not as clear as it once was, then you should call the office to make an appointment 233-2020.

References:

All About Vision

Not sure if you have seasonal allergies?  Typical symptoms include:

• itchy eyes
• watery eyes
• red eyes
• eye pain
• blurred vision or visual disturbances that only occur in the Spring or Fall

If you experience these symptoms, then most likely you have allergic conjunctivitis and you should make an appointment to have your eyes checked.  If your symptoms occur all year long, then you may have environmental allergies to either dust or one of your pets.  It would also be beneficial for you to come in for an exam.

What can you do before your appointment to easy the symptoms?

Start with cold compresses.  Take a cold pack and wrap it in a towel and place it on the eyes.  You can do this as many times a day as you need.  Don’t have a cold pack?  Try a bag of frozen vegetables or even a wash cloth that has been run under cold water.

Other ways to make the eyes more comfortable including avoiding the outdoors during the day and listening to your local weather reports.  Most weather reports now include a pollen count for the day.  If the count is high, avoid spending a long period of time outdoors.  Finally, instead of opening your windows, use your air conditioner in the house and the car.  This will prevent the pollen from entering.

Allergies and Your Contact Lenses

Now, don’t think that your seasonal allergies will prevent you from using your contact lenses.  In most cases, contact lens use is encouraged, because less pollen enters the eye.  However, you will have to be vigilant at cleaning your lenses, along with doing a digital rub in order to prevent pollen build up on the lens.  Daily contact lenses that are thrown out at the end of the day are another option for use during allergy season.

As you can see, there are many things that we can do for those itchy, red, watery eyes that can make you enjoy the cherry blossoms instead of loathe them.