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5 ways to keep cataracts from getting worse

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Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that cause things to look blurry or fuzzy. You may see double, colors look faded, your eyes are extra sensitive to light and you usually have trouble seeing well at night. Left untreated, they can eventually lead to blindness. Developing cataracts are a normal part of the aging process as more than half of Americans age 80 and older have cataracts.

Cataracts can develop earlier as a result of other things such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, a family history of cataracts and even previous eye trauma. While you can’t treat cataracts with exercise, diet or lasers, here are five things you can do to reduce your odds of getting them or at least to keep cataracts from progressing:

Have regular eye exams

Make sure you see your eye doctor regularly so they can test your vision and diagnose and treat problems before they become worse and more damaging.

Watch your blood sugars if you have diabetes

Cataracts occur more often in people with diabetes. If your blood sugar is too high for too long, the lens of your eye swells.

Stop smoking

Smoking is associated with several serious health conditions and can lead to cataracts. Talk to your doctor about strategies to quit smoking, including medications and smoking-cessation programs.

Reduce alcohol consumption

Having more than two drinks a day can raise your odds of having cataracts.

Eat a balanced diet

Eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables gives you the essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and E for optimal eye health.

Wear sunglasses

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be damaging to our eyes, even on the cloudiest of days, as the rays can reach through clouds. Sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays are the best choice.

Cataracts happen gradually as you get older, and often the natural lens eventually will need to be removed and replaced with an artificial lens to help you see clearly. To learn more about how we treat cataracts, contact our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030

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Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Have Your Cataracts Removed

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It can be hard to find the time to schedule doctors appointments— especially if you don’t think they are necessary. When it comes to your vision health, nothing is quite as important as getting your cataracts removed. As one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, cataracts aren’t something you want to mess with. Let’s take a closer look into reasons why you should have your cataracts removed by Papale Eye Center

They Are Clouding Your Vision

If you have cataracts, you may notice that your vision is kind of cloudy— especially when you’re driving at night. If you feel like your cataracts are making it more difficult for you to see, then you definitely want to have them removed. Once we remove your cataracts, we will replace them with an intraocular lens (IOL) which will help you to see more clearly. If you are interested in seeing both up close and far away, then make sure to talk to us about multifocal lenses as well.

You Don’t Want To Go Blind

As previously mentioned, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in patients in the United States, and the last thing you want to do is go blind. If cataracts go left untreated for a significant amount of time, the damage can be irreversible which means that you will be at a higher risk of permanently losing your vision.

During your next eye appointment, we can discuss all of the ins and outs of cataract removal surgery. If you want to take the next steps to get rid of your cataracts and gaining back your vision, then contact our Springfield office today and give us a call at (413) 782-0030.

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Good Vision Late in Life: Eye Care for Seniors

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As we get older, we face a number of changes in our general health and wellness. It’s all a part of the natural aging process, and it should come as no surprise that these changes can affect our vision.

Thankfully the team at Papale Eye Center have a number of treatment options for patients. Our springfield corrective eye surgery center offers a number of treatments that will be able to address the eye care needs of patients of all ages. With that in mind, let’s briefly cover some eye conditions that affect elderly patients.

About Cataracts

Cataracts refers to the clouding of the naturally clear lens or lenses of the eye, typically caused by long-term wear and tear, eye injuries, and UV ray exposure. This condition is common in the elderly, and it can severely affect the overall quality and clarity of a person’s vision.

The most common signs and symptoms of cataracts are the clouding of the lenses of the eye, which has a distinct milky/white appearance. When the lenses become cloudy, this can lead to hazy or blurry vision, and issues with light sensitivity.

How Cataracts Can Be Treated

For minor cataracts, sometimes the best option is to simply use corrective lenses to improve vision quality. When cataracts are serious, the best option to consider is surgical removal of the clouded lens of the eye. An IOL may then be placed to improve vision quality.

About Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a type of farsightedness (hyperopia) that sets in starting at about age 45. This natural part of the aging process is caused by the lenses of the eye losing their flexibility and ability to focus.

The most common sign of presbyopia is the increased difficulty in seeing nearby objects. Many people may find it difficult to read small print or to read in general without ample light.

How Presbyopia Can Be Treated

Presbyopia can be treated in a number of ways. For one, corrective lenses such as bifocals or the use of multiple pairs of glasses is common. Monovision laser eye surgery is also helpful as well. In some cases, patients may have their lenses replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), a type of artificial lens.

About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD/AMD)

Also known as AMD and ARMD, age-related macular degeneration refers to an issue caused by blood vessels damaging the central portion of the retina (the macula). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people who are 65 or older.

Common signs and symptoms of AMD include blurriness or vision loss in the central portion of one’s vision, problems with color perception, the apparent curvature of lines that are in reality straight.

How Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD/AMD) Can Be Treated

There are different kinds of AMD (wet and dry), and treatments can be tailored to specifically address a patient’s needs. Wet AMD can be treated with anti-angiogenic medications that help prevent formation of new blood vessels. Special laser therapy may also be considered to address major central vision loss.

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious and irreversible form of permanent vision loss. It’s caused by increased pressure inside of the eye damaging the optic nerve. While not linked to advanced age per se, people tend to experience glaucoma much later in life.

The most common signs and symptoms of glaucoma are issues with vision loss in the center or periphery of the field of vision. In some cases, glaucoma may also cause eye pain and headaches.

How Glaucoma Can Be Treated

Treating glaucoma means stopping the vision loss or slowing the rate of vision loss. This can be done through the use of special medications, though surgical drainage of the eye may also be considered to help alleviate some of the intraocular pressure.

Learn More About Eye Care for the Elderly

For more information about treating advanced eye care issues and helping you see clearly again, be sure to contact our advanced laser eye care center today. The team at Papale Eye Center is here to help you have great vision no matter your age.

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