Cataracts are the most common eye condition in the Orlando area. According to the National Eye Institute over half of the people over 80 years old will have a cataract.
As we age the clear lens of the eye can become cloudy, affecting your vision by not being able to focus light properly.
The eye lens determines what you see by sending signals to your brain. As we get older the lens tissue begins to breaks down, clumping together to create a cloud in the lens. Over time the cloudiness spreads and becomes more dense, making it difficult to see.
Potential causes include: Eye diseases, eye injury, eye surgery, long term use of steroid medications, medical conditions such as diabetes, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, too much exposure to sunlight, and smoking.
Cataracts develop slowly, you may not notice them at first, but over time dimmed or blurry vision can occur. Other symptoms include; Sensitivity to light, problems seeing at night, double vision in one eye, frequent changes in prescription contact lenses or eye glasses, seeing halos around lights, and colors appear faded.
The Mayo Clinic recommends tips for preventing cataracts: “Stop smoking, reduce alcohol use, wear sunglasses outdoor that block UVB rays, maintain a healthy weight and eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.”
Because our eyes change as we get older it is important to have regular eye exams. Catching issues early is an important key to everyone’s long-term vision health. Dr. Ward and the Vision Team at Lake Nona Eye Care provides a comprehensive eye examination in a positive relaxed environment for children and adults, ages 5 and up.
We use our eyes from the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night, constantly processing information, it’s hard to imagine life without them. That’s why it’s so important to take care of them.
Contact Dr. Ward and the professional team at Lake Nona Eye Care for an appointment today.