Yo! My name is Andy and this is my eye care blog. Your eyes are so important but it can be easy to take them for granted. I know that I didn't think twice about my eyes until I started to have problems with my vision. I kept getting headaches and I had trouble focusing on things. I went to see my doctor who referred me to an optometrist. The eye specialist did some tests and asked me some questions. He then said that my regular use of screens was straining my eyes. Since following the advice given to me, my eyes have been much healthier.
Eyes are one of the most important organs of your body. Just like the skin, they are exposed to many factors such as dust, foreign objects, injuries, bacteria and viruses that cause grave infections. One of the illnesses of the eyes is cataracts. Here is what you need to know about them:
What Is A Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye on the part behind your pupil and iris. This is one of the main causes of blindness and vision loss in the world. Cataracts usually affect the elderly, but there are cases in which different eye injuries cause the tissue of your eye to change and create this type of clouding. There are three common types of cataracts: subcapsular cataracts, which are associated with diabetes and steroid use; nuclear cataracts, which are associated with aging; and cortical cataracts, which gradually start from the periphery of the eye lens and makes their way deeper into the centre.
Can You Prevent A Cataract?
Prevention of the cataract is a controversial topic. Many professionals believe that cataracts cannot be prevented, especially those that come with aging, as you cannot prevent aging itself. But studies have shown that nutrition plays a big part in reducing the risk of cataracts. If you want to reduce the risk of cataracts, foods that contain vitamin E and C must be in your diet. Doctors also recommend wearing sunglasses that completely block ultraviolet rays and, therefore, protect your eyes.
Cataract Treatment
The solution to cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery consists of replacing your natural eye lens with an intraocular lens. Intraocular lenses are plastic lenses with plastic side struts that serve to hold them in place. In modern days, doctors perform phacoemulsification, a surgical procedure that consists of using an ultrasound probe that helps break down the cataract, which is then suctioned off your eye.
When you have a cataract, you need to be very careful with your eyes. There are a few things you should not do, such as drive at night and look directly to the sun. You should avoid direct sunlight by wearing broad-rimmed hats and sunglasses. You should also be careful to get the most precise prescription eyeglasses or lenses. If necessary, use a magnifying lens to help you read.
Are There Alternatives To Cataract Surgery?
As of today, the only solution to cataracts is surgery, even though doctors and researchers are performing several trials to find a definitive non-surgical solution.
Contact an optometrist to learn more about cataract treatments.
Share28 January 2019
