Cataract Awareness

I can see clearly now the rain is gone

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshinin' day

By Nurse Diane

Do you think when Johnny Nash wrote the words to this song that he, or someone in his life had cataracts?  A friend of mine recently had his eyes examined, and there was a mention of cataract surgery in his future.  I let him know that the sooner he has it done, the faster he will heal and have a complete recovery.

A cataract is a film that develops slowly over time behind the lens of the eye.  It clouds your vision much like dirty windows cloud images.  They can occur at any time, from childhood to adulthood.  They even occur in animals.   It is not sure what causes cataracts; some culprits include exposure to radiation and ultraviolet lights.  Other factors include a side effect from other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or iodine deficiency.  Old age, trauma and side effects from medication also account for causes of cataracts.

There is no known prevention for Cataracts.  It has been suggested that regular intake of antioxidants (such as vitamins A, C and E) is helpful, but taking them as a supplement has not been shown to have a benefit.

The treatment for cataracts is a simple surgery done under a local anesthetic and the patient is allowed to return home the same day.  While in nursing school I was allowed to observe cataract surgery.  Fluid is injected into the eye making it soft and squishy.  The lens of the eye is then removed, and the film is lifted out.  The lens is replaced, and the eye covered until healed.  Eye drops are sent home to help to promote healing.

June is Cataract Awareness Month.  If you are over the age of 40, and haven't had your eyes checked recently, now would be a good time to make an appointment to get checked out to make sure you don’t have any problems brewing.

(Photos from Google) 

"Healthy Vision: Make It Last a Lifetime."

By Terry Orr

The May 2013 theme for Healthy Vision Month is "Healthy Vision: Make It Last a Lifetime."

According to the CDC:

• In 2010, approximately 4 million persons in the United States aged ≥40 years had vision impairment (including low vision and blindness);
• By 2050, this number is projected to reach 13 million
• Vision impairment is associated with inability to perform daily activities such as reading, driving a car, and preparing meals.
• Vision impairment also is associated with an increased risk for falls, fall-related injuries, depression, and reduced overall health
• Millions of persons in the United States have undetected vision problems and eye diseases.
• Vision disorders are the seventh most common chronic condition for person’s aged ≥65 years,
• The ninth most common for those aged 50–64 years, and
• The third most common for those aged ≤17 years.

Early detection, timely treatment, and the use of proper eye safety practices can prevent or delay vision impairment.

I have been sensitive regarding my vision in general and care thereof as well for several decades - as a result - in addition to my annual eye exam, over the past 15 or so years, visit my doctor a second time. I highly recommend everyone see their eye doctor at least every year.

References and Links:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6216a10.htm

(All images from Google) 

June is Cataract Awareness Month

I can see clearly now the rain is gone

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshinin' day

By Diane Forrest, RN

(Google Image) 

Do you think when Johnny Nash wrote the words to this song that he or someone in his life had cataracts?  My Uncle's mother had cataract surgery last year.  Normally when you have cataract surgery, both eyes are affected.  Two surgeries are required, but are not done together for the purpose of being able to see.  My aunt was elected to transport her to the clinic since my uncle doesn't like to drive in the big city traffic.  The surgeries were a success and her vision was restored.

(Google Image) 

A cataract is a film that develops slowly over time behind the lens of the eye.  It clouds your vision much like dirty windows cloud images.  They can occur at any time, from childhood to adulthood.  They even occur in animals.   It is not sure what causes cataracts; some culprits include exposure to radiation and ultraviolet lights.  Other factors include a side effect from other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or iodine deficiency.  Old age, trauma and side effects from medication also account for causes of cataracts.

(Google Image) 

There is no known prevention for Cataracts.  It has been suggested that regular intake of antioxidants (such as vitamins A, C and E) is helpful, but taking them as a supplement has not been shown to have a benefit.

(Google Image) 

The treatment for cataracts is a simple surgery done under a local anesthetic and the patient is allowed to return home the same day.  While in nursing school I was allowed to observe cataract surgery.  Fluid is injected into the eye making it soft and squishy.  The lens of the eye is then removed, and the film is lifted out.  The lens is replaced, and the eye covered until healed.  Eye drops are sent home to help to promote healing.

(Google Image) 

June is Cataract Awareness Month.  If you are over the age of 40, and haven't had your eyes checked recently, now would be a good time to make an appointment to get checked out to make sure you don’t have any problems brewing.

Save Your Vision Week/Month

(Google Image)

By Akindman

How important is your eye sight?

Close to 75% of North Americans believe that their sight is the most important sense they have according to protect-Your-Eyesight.com. Yet only about 40% of North Americans have an annual eye exam, and a full 85% admit that they do not care for their eyes as much as they should.

For those of us who have type II Diabetes, we should get our eye exam semi-annually event – I do!

(Google Image)

Save Your Vision Month educates the public about the importance of getting comprehensive eye examinations regularly in order to preserve the vision. Not only can taking the time to protect the health of your eyes reduce the risk of vision loss, but going for a routine eye exam can help detect systemic and chronic diseases like diabetes.

Protect Your Eyes

Wear Sunglasses

Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

Step Away from the Computer Screen

Quit Smoking

Eat Foods Packed with Antioxidants

Keep Blood Glucose in Check

Exercise Regularly

Lower Your Blood Pressure

Lower Your Cholesterol

Have a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam

What to Do When Your Eyesight Fades

(Google Image) 

The top 10 foods for good vision are:

Cold water fish;

Spinach, kale, and green leafy veggies;

Eggs;

Garlic, onions, shallots, and capers;

Soy;

Fruits & veggies – that contain A, C, and E and Beta-carotene, such as carrots, carrots, and squash;

Blueberries and grapes;

Wine;

Nuts & berries; and

Virgin olive oil.

Prevent Blindness America’s web site contains a wealth of good information regarding ones sight.  Highly recommend that everyone spends some time there and bookmarks this web site.  Here is a sample of the information you will find there:

Taking care of your sight

Signs of eye problems in adults

If you notice any signs of potential eye problems, see an eye doctor for a complete eye exam.

Even if you have no signs, regular eye exams are recommended—especially for those with some chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Early detection and treatment can be the key to preventing sight loss.

Any changes in the appearance of your eyes or vision should be investigated further. Some examples include:

The following may be indications of potentially serious problems that might require emergency medical attention:

Getting professional eye care

Wearing contact lenses

Pregnancy and your vision

Computers and your eyes

Healthy living, healthy vision

20/20 at 40 - our adult vision health initiative

Growing older with good vision

Medicare benefits and your eyes

Test your eyes

Living with low vision

Vision care financial assistance information

Remember to protect your eyes!
(Google Image) 

Links for additional information:

http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/complications/eyes/save-your-vision/

http://www.preventblindness.org/taking-care-your-sight

http://www.aoa.org/documents/Vision-Lifestyle-Fact-Sheet.pdf

http://www.rebuildyourvision.com/blog/personal-stories/perfect-eyesight-in-2012/

http://wellness.georgetown.edu/resources/toolkit/46982.html

http://www.protect-your-eyesight.com/

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month

(Google Image) 

By Akindman,

Lack of Information on Leading Cause of Blindness Could Leave Some Americans in the Dark

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) currently affects the vision of more than 2 million Americans ages 50 and older.  AMD is a progressive disease that diminishes central vision and if left untreated, it can result in severe vision loss and even blindness.   Community Health Charities has partnered with member charity, Prevent Blindness America, to raise awareness about AMD/Low Vision.

(Google Image) 

But despite the severe damage AMD can cause to sight, the public is still relatively unfamiliar with this chronic eye disease.  In 2008, AMD Alliance International conducted a survey that found more than half of all respondents had either never heard of AMD, or had heard of it but knew very little about it.

Prevent Blindness America has declared February as Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month to help educate the public about one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.  They offer “The AMD Learning Center,” a free educational online resource found at www.preventblindness.org/amd, as well as information through a toll-free phone number.

The good news is that the effects of AMD can be diminished through early detection and treatment by an eye care professional. That is why it is imperative for the public to learn the early warning signs and risk factors for AMD.

(Google Image) 

Those with AMD may experience the following symptoms:

• Straight lines, such as a flag pole or streetlight, may appear wavy;
• A dark or empty spot may block the center of vision; and
• Written words or type may appear blurry.

According to the National Eye Institute, risk factors for AMD include:

• Smoking – Smoking, and even second-hand smoke, may increase the risk of AMD;
• Obesity - Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early stage AMD to advanced AMD;
• Race - Caucasians are much more likely to lose their vision from AMD than African-Americans;
• Gender - Of the more than 2 million Americans age 50 and older who have AMD, more than 1.3 million are women; and
• Family History - Those who have immediate family members with AMD are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

“We urge everyone, especially if they are age 40 and older, to get a dilated eye exam as soon as possible,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “Even if you don’t notice any signs of eye trouble today, you may already have an eye disease and not know it. Once detected, eye doctors may be able to slow the progression and help save your vision.”

For free information on AMD and other blinding eye diseases, please visit Prevent Blindness America at www.preventblindness.org or call 1-800-331-2020.