Vision or sight is a sense that
most people are able to use every day of their
life, probably more than any of the other senses.
Protect your eyes now, save them for your future!
As one ages, changes occur that
may affect your vision. Some of the changes
include the need for more light; adjustments
to the darkness or to glares may be more difficult,
or being able to focus on near objects. Some
people experience difficulty in color differentiation.
Some people develop cataracts.
A cataract is a thickened, hardened
and cloudy part of the eye lens. The cloudy
lens distorts or blocks light coming into the
eye and blurs vision. When a cataract becomes
large enough to cause visual problems, surgery
may be an effective treatment. No medications,
dietary supplements or exercises have been shown
to prevent or cure cataracts.
Causes of cataracts include: aging
of the eye, family history, medical problems
such as diabetes, eye injury, medications, long-term,
and unprotected exposure to sunlight.
Symptoms of cataracts include
painless blurring or fuzziness of vision, decreased
ability to see at night, and problems with glare.
Double vision may occur, spots may be seen,
and lights may appear to have a halo around
them.
Prevention of cataracts include
avoiding overexposure to sunlight, wearing protective
glasses to avoid any eye injuries, eating foods
high in beta carotene and vitamin C found in
oranges, carrots, and cantaloupes. Keep any
chronic diseases, such as diabetes, in good
control.
What can I do to take
care of my eyesight?
•
Visit an eye doctor on a regular basis, even
if you have no problems with your eyes. Some
eye diseases have no symptoms in the early stages
and your eye doctor will examine them.
• Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing
sunglasses that fit well and are able to absorb
99-100% of ultraviolet rays, also called UV
(both UV-A and UV-B). Some eye diseases such
as macular degeneration, cataracts, corneal
sunburns (photokeratitis) and skin cancer around
the eyelids may be prevented by using well fitting
sunglasses that are able to absorb the UV rays.
• Improve the lighting in your house to
help you see better and keep your from injuring
yourself.
• Protect your eyes from injury by wearing
safety eyewear when your eyes are at risk for
injury, such as certain hobbies, sports, and
work.
• Eat foods that are healthy. By eating
healthy foods one generally stays healthier
overall. Healthy eating may prevent or control
other diseases such as diabetes, high blood
pressure and high cholesterol.
• Stay physically active to reduce your
risk of diseases and to improve your overall
health.
• Control your diabetes, blood pressure
or high cholesterol.
• Quit smoking ~ smoking increases one’s
risk for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,
and age-related macular degeneration.
