The more you know about eye health, the better your chances of maintaining your vision and avoiding possible eye disorders. June is Cataract Awareness Month. It offers the perfect opportunity to learn more about this particular eye disease, which is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.
What Exactly Are Cataracts?
This refers to an eye condition that occurs when the clear natural lens of the eye begins to harden and turn yellow. This now opaque section prevents light from passing through the eye, resulting in blurry vision and dull color perception. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes and worsens over time. Seniors are more at risk of developing this condition. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, in fact, reveals that cataracts affect 25 million Americans aged 40 and older and that, by age 75, about half of all Americans have cataracts.
Possible Signs of Cataracts
You might want to visit your local optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Cloudy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision changes
- Halos and glare around lights
Prevention and Treatment of Cataracts
The fact about cataracts is that they don’t develop overnight. This gives you plenty of time to consider preventive measures and treatment, with the goal of slowing down the disease’s progression. The first thing you should do is schedule regular eye exams with your trusted optometrist to catch the symptoms early. To slow down progression, you may be asked to switch to a healthier diet that includes leafy greens, whole grains, citrus fruits and cold-water fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Wearing sunglasses whenever you’re going out may also help. At some point, cataract surgery may be suggested, but only if the disease has changed for the worse.
Schedule an Eye Exam Today
Nova Vision Center is not just the trusted source of high-quality contact lenses in the area – we can also diagnose and treat a number of eye conditions. With our advanced eye care solutions, we will slow down cataract progression and retain your vision. Call us today at (703) 578-3600 to book an appointment. We proudly serve the areas in and around Alexandria and Arlington, VA.
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