Cataracts and Prevention

The lens of the eye focuses the light on the retina and allows us to see well. As we age, the lens begins to accumulate scar tissue (cataracts), so that eventually, in many persons, light does not penetrate through the lens as it should. Decreased vision, particularly at night, comes first. Ultimately, blindness can result. The same process is generally going in the both eyes, although often at quite different rates.

Prevention

We don’t know any way to prevent the scarring in the lens, although prolonged heavy exposure to bright sunlight without using sunglasses is suspected to speed the process. However, the medical problem of loss of vision can be effectively treated. Cataracts can be treated by surgery.  A surprising number of people do not notice the slow decrease in vision with cataracts and delay the corrective operations far too long. This results in needless decline in the quality of life. Be alert of loss of vision. Cover one eye and then the other and check to see if vision is equal. Be particularly alert for problem with depth perception or in seeing at twilight or after dark. Have a normal eye examination every few years, or more often if you seem to be having problems.