Cataracts are among the most common conditions in adults, particularly with age. They are gradual developments that result in cloudy vision and haze, which causes problems in daily activities. Although cataracts are an inevitable part of aging, it is possible to control them and stop further deterioration. The article explains what cataracts are, what their effects are on vision, and the steps that should be taken to keep your eyes healthy before the operation and after the operation.
Cataracts are an eye disorder in which the lens of the eye becomes opaque, causing the outgoing light to fail to pass through to reach the retina. Rather, one might then see fuzzy or hazy images, more like seeing through a window covered by fog. They typically happen gradually over time in many older adults; however, cataracts can sometimes be associated with other medications, diseases, or habits like smoking and extreme sun exposure. Early signs of having trouble seeing at night, vision disturbances, and sensitivity to glare can be caused by cataracts. However, if left unchecked, cataracts can very seriously impact your ability to see and life in general.
The sooner you catch cataracts, the slower their progression and the opportunities you have to discuss options for managing your vision. Regular eye exams are also important, especially when you feel something changed in terms of how you see things. A doctor can easily detect cataracts when they are still in their initial stages that don’t interfere with your activities. Maybe you’ll have the chance to have an overall eye checkup and get treatments that will be given when glaucoma or macular degeneration happens along with cataracts. For this reason, it is essential to maintain a routine schedule with your optometrist or ophthalmologist so that any eye issues can be caught early and dealt with promptly.
While it is impossible to evade the onset of cataracts at some point in life, certain lifestyle changes can delay their onset or the progression pace. Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses outdoors is one simple yet effective measure. There are also other dietary changes. A diet rich in antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, can ensure healthy eye function and prevent the formation of cataracts. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake is also a part of the lifestyle. Being physically active also ensures good eye health since it improves blood circulation to promote more oxygen supply to the eyes and preserve the clarity of your lens.
Surgery is the only resort once cataracts heavily interfere with daily activities. Given the advancement of the disease, no amount of medication or eye drops can reverse it; surgery is hence the best treatment for cataracts. The surgery can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one, thus restoring clear vision. It involves proper consultation with your eye doctor about the right time to go for the surgery. Many people ask if Medicare can cover cataract surgery. The reply is that yes, Medicare usually pays for most of the cataract surgery since it covers it, but may charge extra depending on the type of lens to be implanted or the advanced technology used during the procedure.
In most cases, patients will gain considerable insight in the eyes right after cataract surgery. It is important to follow closely what is stipulated as postoperative care by your eye doctor. That is, you are advised not to rub your eyes, avoid wearing protective glasses, but use eye drops as prescribed by the eye doctor. Other things include follow-up appointments to see whether everything heals properly. Continue with regular eye exams and maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid further complications in the eyes. Though the surgery is performed with such a high success rate, your eye health does need constant attention at all times in life to avoid other potential issues.
Cataracts are common these days and happen to increase with age, but proper care and suitable intervention can go a long way in managing and treating these. From regular eye exams to healthier lifestyle choices, there are various steps that one can take in order to protect their vision. Surgery is also another very successful intervention for restoring vision when cataracts begin to interfere with daily life, and it’s reassuring that Medicare often covers the costs of this procedure. Keeping proactive about your eye health will bring you a lifetime of clearer vision as you age.