Are You Doing Enough for Your Eyes?

Are You Doing Enough for Your Eyes?

More than half of Americans over the age of 80 have cataracts or have already had surgery to correct them. That’s an incredible statistic and it should have you thinking, as it does us, what in the world a cataract is and how to protect your eyes from them.

Cataracts are easy to recognize in the later stage as they cause a clouding of the lens in the eye which makes it difficult to see. However, they come on slowly and can take years to develop to the point of being visible to others. The cause of cataracts can vary, but the underlying problem is generally the same. When the lens in your eye becomes damaged it causes the tissue to cloud over. This damage can come from an injury or a medical condition, though most often it is caused by age. As we grow older our tissues become less flexible and thicker which causes the lens to break down and appear cloudy.

Besides age, there are common factors that can increase your risk for cataracts. We can’t change the fact that we age, but we can address the other issues that contribute to this common eye condition. Smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure are all cataract risk factors that you can manage to help prevent or slow the onset of cloudy eyes. Maintaining your overall health has an impact on your vision health. When you eat a healthy diet, reduce the consumption of alcohol, and avoid smoking you’re adding years to the life of your eyes.

But, by far, the most important thing you can do to protect your vision health from cataracts, or any other condition is to have regular eye examinations. We live in such a beautiful world, it’s a shame to lose the ability to see it. We want you to continue seeing clearly. Don’t put it off, call your doctor today so you can catch a future cataract early.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.