Cataracts are the most common age-related eye disease, with more than 17 percent of Americans age 40 and over affected. The main cause, aside from plain old aging, is exposure to ultraviolet B radiation in sunlight. People can reduce their risk and delay the need for surgery to remove a clouded lens by wearing sunglasses and brimmed hats while outside.

At present, cataract surgery has been refined so that the super small incisions are self-sealing. Besides cataracts, eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration also affect seniors, although they are more insidious. Typically, medications are used to slow the damage caused by glaucoma. Meanwhile, high doses of supplements, including vitamins C and E and beta carotene and the mineral zinc, have been found to slow the progression of AMD in several trials.

This report was published in the US News and World Report

It was also noted that people with diabetes have added reason to worry: Diabetic retinopathy affects some 40 percent of people with the disease, with 8 percent of all diabetics facing significant vision loss. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control reduces the risk of harm.

Posted in: cataract, Diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, Surgery