For older adults in Orlando, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness. More than half Americans will have some form of cataract by the age of 80. June is Cataract Awareness Month, designed to bring awareness to the importance of routine eye exams and healthy vision.
What Are Cataracts?
The transparent lens in the eye must be clear for the retina to have a sharp image. Any clouding or blockage will create a blurred image.
The lens is made from protein and water, arranged in such a way that allows light to pass through it clearly. But as we age, this protein can break down and clump together forming a cloud in the lens. They grow larger over time making harder to see.
Do Cataracts Only Affect Seniors?
“Cataracts can affect anyone! Although most people do not show symptoms of cataracts until at least the age of 40, cataracts can also affect young adults or even children. Heredity, disease, eye injury and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age,” According to Your Sight Matters.
Protect Yourself from Cataracts
It is especially important to wear sunglasses in Central Florida when ultraviolet radiation is very strong, direct exposure can cause cataracts. Smoking and drinking alcohol in excess, can increase the chances of cataracts developing.
“Although getting a cataract is common, it doesn’t have to mean permanent vision loss,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “One way to protect our vision is to make a commitment to take care of our eyes today, including getting a dilated eye exam, so we can help protect our sight for the future not just from cataract, but other eye diseases as well.”
Regardless of your physical well-being or your age, routine eye exams are vital to healthy eyes. Many eye diseases threaten more than just our vision, they can affect our overall well being. During an eye exam Dr. Ward and the Team at Lake Nona Eye Care do much more than just establish your prescription for contact lenses or eyeglasses. A compressive exam will include checking for eye diseases and other issues leading to vision loss.