9:39 AM
Keshav Bhat
Image by W9NED via Flickr
1. A large or high waterfall.
2. A great downpour; a deluge.
3. Pathology Opacity of the lens or capsule of the eye, causing impairment of vision or blindness.
August is Cataract Awareness Month – a month when eye care professionals hope to spread the word of the causes of cataracts, the prevention and the treatments.
Cataracts are often considered an older person’s problem. It’s estimated that half of all people 80 years or older have at least one cataract. Over 20 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts. Although they are more common in the elderly, they’re not rare in younger people either.
The National Eye Institute identifies the different types of cataracts:
Cataracts can often be detected in the early stages and this is one of the reasons why regular eye exams are important. There are ways to help improve vision with lighting, magnifying tools and even anti-glare sunglasses until surgical removal of the cataract is warranted.
- Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.
- Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
- Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
- Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.
Help yourself
Although it might not be possible to avoid cataracts altogether, it is possible to limit your risk of developing one or to hold off development. To reduce your risk:
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid exposing your eyes to direct sunlight (use good sunglasses)
- Drink alcohol moderately
- Eat a diet rich with fruit and vegetables
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