Cataracts are a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. This lens at the front of the eye controls nearly one-third of the eye’s total optical power by focusing light onto the retina. Cataracts develop when proteins and fibres in the lens begin to break down, which causes vision to become hazy or unclear. Cataracts are most common in people over 50, but cataract assessment typically begins before this age. While cataracts don’t often lead to full or permanent blindness, they can still impair vision and may require intervention. June is Cataract Awareness Month; speak to your optometrist about cataract assessment and management to learn how to slow the progression, treat your cataracts, or how to prevent them in the future.
Your Optometrist And Cataract Management
Managing Symptoms
Cataracts develop slowly over time. As they develop, your vision will diminish as less light comes through the lens. This lack of light hitting the retina will often cause people with cataracts to become nearsighted. An optometrist can help you manage this vision change by prescribing corrective lenses so that you can still see clearly.
Monitoring Progression
Visiting your optometrist regularly allows them to monitor your eye health and the pace at which your cataracts are advancing. This will not only help you keep up to date on your prescription, but it will also allow your optometrist to discuss at what point you may need cataract surgery and what that may involve. While some people can go years without this surgery, you will need the professional advice and referral of your optometrist to receive the surgery.
Slowing Progression
Your optometrist can help you prevent cataracts before they begin and can help slow their progression once they have already started to develop by instructing you on what personal choices may decrease the growth rate of cataracts. There are several ways you can help prevent the development of cataracts or slow their progression, including:
- Eating Healthy. The food you eat directly impacts eye health. Eating an assortment of foods full of vitamins and nutrients, especially fruits, vegetables, and fish, will help improve your eye health in general. Discuss your diet with your optometrist to learn what vitamins you may be lacking and how they can benefit your eyes.
- Managing Other Health Problems. Health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure can negatively impact eye health, and getting these conditions under control can reduce your risk of developing various eye conditions.
- Wear Sunglasses. Cataracts are thought to develop in part due to exposure to UV rays, which are damaging to the eyes. To protect your eyes from UV ray exposure, wear a pair of UV blocking sunglasses whenever you leave the house, even in winter.
- Quit Smoking. Tobacco has been linked to many different health issues, including cataracts. If you are attempting to quit smoking, you can ask your optometrist or your doctor for resource recommendations such as counseling, medication, or other steps that can help to break addiction.
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Your optometrist can have a discussion with you about your lifestyle and make recommendations for healthy changes including all of the above and other factors personal to you. They will also review your family history and any prescriptions to ensure proper overall health and eye health.
Calgary Cataract Assessment And Management At Blink Eyewear
For cataract assessment and management in Calgary, contact Blink Eyewear. After the completion of a comprehensive eye exam that determines if you have cataracts or if you are at risk of developing them, our optometrists will work with you to create a tailored plan for cataract management. With regular eye exams, our Calgary optometrists can continually monitor cataract progression, keeping you informed of your eye health. With three convenient locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary, Blink Eyewear can offer you great optometry services throughout the city. To book an appointment with Blink Eyewear, call 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.
