Cataracts impact on older adults
As people age, it is natural to notice eyesight changes. One of the most common vision problems among older adults is cataracts, which occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can make everyday activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces more challenging.
Understanding cataracts, their symptoms, and treatment options can help maintain good vision and overall quality of life.
What are cataracts?
A cataract forms when proteins in the eye’s lens begin to break down and clump together. This process causes the lens to lose its transparency, leading to blurry or dim vision.
Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and can affect one or both eyes. While they are most commonly related to aging, diabetes, smoking, prolonged sun exposure and certain medications can increase the risk of cataract formation.
How do cataracts affect vision?
• Cataracts can cause a variety of vision problems, including:
• Blurryorhazyvision:objects may appear out of focus, making reading and other tasks difficult.
• Increased sensitivity to light: bright lights, glare from the sun, or headlights at night can become uncomfortable.
• Difficulty seeing at night: many people with cataracts notice a decline in night vision, making driving more hazardous.
• Dull or faded colors: colors may lose their vibrancy and appear yellowed or muted.
• Double vision in one eye: some people experience double vision in one eye, which can make daily activities confusing.
Can cataracts be treated?
In the early stages, updating the eyeglass prescription, using brighter lighting and wearing antiglare sunglasses may help.
However, when cataracts begin interfering with daily life, cataract surgery is an effective solution and one of the most succesful and commonly performed procedures in the world.
Maintaining eye health
• While cataracts are a natural part of aging, there are ways to protect the vision:
• Get regular eye exams to monitor for cataracts and other eye conditions.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to reduce sun damage.
• Eatadietrichinantioxidants, such as leafy greens, carrots, and fatty fish.
• Avoid smoking, as it can accelerate cataract formation.
Any age-related changes in vision should never be ignored. A consultation with an eye doctor can help determine if cataracts may be the cause and explore the treatment options, including the surgery.
—Maltish Lorenzo, M.D., M.S., Optum HCC Ophthalmologist
