Here are the top 5 myths and facts about cataracts.

Cataracts result from the buildup of protein on the eye’s normally clear  lens, they cause cloudy, blurry vision, decreased color perception and eventually vision loss.

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness, affecting 20 million people worldwide. While most people have heard of cataracts,  misconceptions abound.

If you suspect you have cataracts, contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and manage this very common and sight-threatening eye condition.

SEE RELATED: When Should I Have Cataract Surgery?

Myth 1: Only older people get cataracts

Fact: People of all ages, even newborns, can have cataracts.

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, and therefore affect the elderly more often than younger people. However, eye trauma and certain medications can also lead to cataracts. Some babies may be born with cataracts.

Myth 2: Cataracts are growths within the eye

Fact: Cataracts aren’t growths; rather, they’re changes in the eye’s natural lens. 

Cataracts occur when the protein cells in the lens start to clump together and deteriorate, resulting in cloudiness. A person with cataracts will typically have cloudy vision with a yellow or brown tint.

Other symptoms associated with cataracts include:

• Double vision
• Halos around lights
• Colors are perceived as faded or yellowed
• Frequent changes in one’s lens prescription

If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, contact an eye doctor near you.

Myth 3: To treat or reverse cataracts, change your lifestyle 

Fact: The only way to cure a cataract is with surgery. 

The surgery removes the cataract and implants a new clear lens. While healthy lifestyle choices such as regularly exercising, getting enough sleep and eating well can impact eye health and your overall health, it cannot cure cataracts.

Myth 4: There is no way to prevent cataracts

Fact: While there is no clear cut way to prevent cataracts, wearing 100% UV blocking sunglasses outdoors can help. 

Another way to delay the onset of cataracts is to incorporate eye-healthy foods into your diet, like colorful vegetables and leafy greens.

Myth 5: If you have cataracts you need surgery right away 

Fact: You only need to have cataract surgery if your cataracts are interfering with your vision and impacting your lifestyle. 

If you are able to safely perform activities, such as driving at night, you don’t necessarily need surgery right away. Have your eye doctor monitor your cataracts to determine if there is any cataract-related vision loss.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

The best way to manage cataracts is to schedule regular eye exams with an eye doctor who has experience diagnosing and managing cataracts.

The doctor will give you all the information you need to help you decide which treatment options are best for you.

The post Cataracts: Top 5 Myths and Facts  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Diabetes affects around 10 percent of the American population, yet nearly 60 percent of people with diabetes report skipping their annual diabetic eye exams.

Why are eye exams important?

Patients with diabetes have a high risk of developing a sight-threatening eye disease called diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. 

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high concentrations of sugar in the bloodstream weaken the blood vessels in the retina. As a result, these blood vessels begin to leak fluid into the retina, leading to blurry vision and other visual distortions— and eventually vision loss.

Unfortunately, in its early stages, diabetic retinopathy does not usually present with noticeable symptoms— making early diagnosis nearly impossible without an annual eye exam.

By regularly monitoring your ocular health, you are ensuring that any ocular changes that occur will be detected early, before they can cause any permanent harm to your vision.

When caught early, diabetic retinopathy can be successfully treated with anti-VEGF medications or laser surgery.

If you have diabetes, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and discuss the best treatment options.

SEE RELATED: What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Can diabetes cause other ocular conditions?

Yes.

The effects of diabetes on the eyes can cause other sight-threatening conditions, including:

• Diabetic macular edema
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

1. Diabetic macular edema

Diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetic retinopathy, affects more than 50 percent of patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic macular edema can occur when fluid from the retinal blood vessels spills into the macula. The macula is located in the center of the retina and is responsible for central vision and vision for fine details.

When fluid builds up in the macula, it can lead to macular swelling and central vision loss.

When caught early on, diabetic macular edema can be successfully treated with anti-VEGF medications, and/or laser surgery.

2. Cataracts 

While cataracts typically develop gradually, beginning after the age of 40, diabetes has been shown to cause an earlier development and faster progression of the condition.

Cataracts occur when deposits of protein that make up the eye’s transparent lens begin to form on the surface of the lens, causing the lens to become cloudy and opaque. This results in blurry and distorted vision and eventually vision loss, if not treated.

Cataract surgery is generally recommended when the cataract significantly impacts daily functioning. Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens that contains the patient’s optical prescription.

3. Glaucoma 

People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma, when compared to people without diabetes.

Glaucoma occurs when the fluid inside the eye is unable to effectively drain from the eye, and the pressure within the eye begins to rise. This increased ocular pressure presses on the ocular nerve, causing progressive damage and vision loss.

Diabetes has been linked to a specific type of glaucoma, called neovascular glaucoma. Neovascular glaucoma occurs when new blood vessels grow on the iris and prevent intraocular fluid from naturally flowing out of the eye.

This type of glaucoma usually develops quickly, without any noticeable symptoms, causing permanent vision loss, even before the disease is detected.

An eye exam can detect early signs of neovascular glaucoma and help to prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma treatment generally involves medicated eye drops, anti-VEGF medication, laser treatments, or surgery.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is vital to keep up with your regular eye exams to preserve your eye health and reduce your risk of vision loss.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to learn more about how you can protect your ocular health from the effects of diabetes— preventing vision loss before it occurs.

The post Diabetes: Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Eye Exams appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Below are the most common eye diseases caused by high myopia. Controlling myopia in childhood significantly reduces the risk of your child experiencing these sight-threatening eye conditions.

Retinal detachment

Children with mild myopia ( −1.00 to −3.00 diopters) are 4 times more likely to experience retinal detachment. 

Children with moderate to high myopia (above −3.00 diopters) are 10 times more likely to experience retinal detachment. 

A retinal detachment can occur when fluid travels through a retinal tear and causes the retina to detach from the other tissues in the back of the eye. When this occurs, the retinal blood supply is cut off and the retina is unable to function properly.

Symptoms of retinal detachment may not be noticeable, but may include sudden vision loss or the presence of:

• Sudden blurred vision
• Floaters
• Flashing lights
• Shadows that block peripheral vision

A retinal detachment is generally treated through laser treatments, surgery, or freezing treatments (cryotherapy) to repair the retinal tear and reattach the retina to the back of the eye.

Myopic macular degeneration (MMD)

Children with high levels of myopia (above −7.00 diopters) are at a higher risk for developing myopic macular degeneration (MMD).

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long from front to back (axial length). High levels of myopia can cause the retina to stretch— leading to structural damage and tears in the macula, the center of the retina. When tears form in the macula, it can cause bleeding under the retina and permanent central vision loss.

Similar to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are two different types of MMD: dry MMD and wet MMD.

Dry MMD causes gradual central vision loss, while wet MMD can cause rapid central vision loss.

Symptoms of MMD include:

• Distorted vision- lines appear wavy
• Empty spots within central vision
• Impaired color vision
• Eye adjustment difficulties when moving between two areas that contain different lighting (low light and bright light)

Myopic macular degeneration can develop at any age, but generally affects adults ages 30 to 40.

While there is currently no treatment for dry MMD, wet MMD is typically treated with anti-VEGF injections and laser surgery.

If your child has worsening myopia, contact an eye doctor near you who can discuss the eye health benefits of myopia management.

SEE RELATED: Myopia and Vision Therapy

Glaucoma 

Children with mild to moderate myopia are twice as likely to develop glaucoma, while children with high myopia are 3 times more likely to develop this sight threatening disease.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, worldwide.

Glaucoma develops when the fluid within the eye is unable to drain properly and the pressure within the eye rises. Overtime, the increased intraocular pressure (IOP) presses on the optic nerve and causes irreversible damage and permanent vision loss.

Symptoms of glaucoma include:

• Severe eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Seeing halos around lights
• Nausea and vomiting

As myopia progresses to higher levels, structural changes within the retina occur, causing the macula to thicken and increasing the risk of glaucoma.

Cataracts 

Children with moderate to high myopia are five times more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age. 

Cataracts occur when the eye’s naturally transparent lens becomes cloudy and opaque, making it difficult to see clearly.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Increased sensitivity to glare
• Seeing halos around lights
• Poor night vision
• Colors appearing less vibrant
• Double vision

While researchers are still studying the exact correlation between high myopia and cataract development, studies show that increasing axial length in myopic eyes may inhibit essential nutrients from reaching the back of the eye’s lens. This can cause protein build-up and result in a cataract.

Cataract surgery is recommended when cataracts become so severe that they begin to impact daily functioning. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial clear lens.

This procedure may be more complicated for patients with high myopia and can lead to unsuccessful surgical results.

What is myopia management? 

Myopia management is a program designed for children and teens with worsening myopia. This program involves the use of specialized lenses or eye drops that have been proven effective in reducing the rate of myopia progression.

Myopia progression has been shown to increase the risk of sight-threatening eye diseases later in life. To protect your child’s eye health and vision, speak with your child’s optometrist about beginning a program of myopia management.

Myopia management is appropriate for children and teens who present with any degree of myopia— but the sooner you begin the program, the greater your chances for optimal results.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Pediatric Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, and to discuss any questions you may have about treating your child’s short-sightedness.

The post Should I Be Worried About Myopia? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

While the overwhelming majority (98%) of cataract surgeries are successful, like any surgical procedure there are risks involved.

It is important to understand these risks and be able to recognize the symptoms that may require immediate medical attention following your procedure.

While complications can arise both during and after cataract surgery, most are not life threatening or vision threatening and can be effectively treated with medical or surgical intervention.

Secondary cataract

During cataract surgery, only the anterior (front) part of the eye’s lens capsule, the “bag” that holds the lens in place, is removed— while the posterior (back) part of the lens capsule remains intact. Then, the entire eye lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens.

A secondary cataract, also called a posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurs when the posterior part of the capsule becomes cloudy. This is the most common complaint following cataract surgery, and can occur from a few months to a few years post-operation.

With a quick and painless in-office procedure, called a YAG laser capsulotomy, your eye doctor can easily correct the condition by removing the PCO. During this procedure, your eye doctor will insert two different types of eye drops, to dilate your pupils and to reduce any corneal inflammation.

Using a laser, your eye doctor will then break up the new cataract of the posterior capsule to allow light to pass through for clearer vision.

Infection

If bacteria enter your eye during surgery, you can develop an infection. While this is uncommon, it can cause serious complications. It is therefore important to recognize the signs of an infection and seek immediate treatment.

Symptoms of infection include:

• Eye pain
• Red eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision

An antibiotic medication is the most effective treatment for a bacterial infection. If your eye becomes infected post-surgery, your eye doctor may prescribe an antibiotic that is directly injected into your eye.

To stop the infection from spreading, your eye doctor may also remove the vitreous of your eye, the clear gel-like matter that fills the center of your eye, and replace it with a new gel that is free of bacteria.

Contact an eye doctor near you, to find out more about cataract surgery.

SEE RELATED: What are Cataracts?

Inflammation

Eye swelling is not usually a cause for concern following a surgical procedure, though excessive swelling requires a call to your eye doctor.

If you notice that your eye continues to appear swollen after a couple of days, contact your eye doctor.

Your eye doctor can prescribe an anti-inflammatory eye drop or medication to help reduce the swelling.

Retinal detachment

If your retina pulls away from its normal position on the posterior wall of your eye, retinal detachment can occur.

This condition requires immediate medical attention, as it could threaten permanent loss of vision.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact an eye doctor immediately:

• Loss of vision
• Floaters in your visual field
• Flashes of light

Lens fragments

During cataract surgery, the eye’s lens is removed and replaced with a new artificial one. During removal, fragments from your old lens may fall into the back of your eye and get lodged there. This can cause retinal and corneal inflammation, high eye pressure, and even permanent vision loss.

To remove the lens fragments and protect your eye, a second surgery will be required.

Increased retinal fluid (bleeding)

Bleeding during surgery is rare, but can occur if the retinal blood vessels begin to leak. Mild bleeding is not a cause for concern, but moderate to severe bleeding that leaks into the space between the cornea and iris, can cause vision loss.

Many times, this condition can be treated with eye drops and typically does not cause any permanent vision problems — though it can take a couple of months to heal.

However, if the eye drops are not effective in helping the blood drain from your eye, the blood accumulation can lead to eye pressure build-up and steroid eye drops and/or surgery may be required.

Dislocated intraocular lens (IOL)

If the artificial lens (also called the intraocular lens, IOL) that is implanted into the eye moves from its correct position, it can cause blurry or double vision. In severe cases, a dislocated IOL can cause swelling and bleeding.

In mild cases, the IOL can be easily repositioned without the need for a second procedure. However, in severe cases, surgery to reposition the lens, sew it into place or implant a new one, may be necessary.

Repositioning the IOL should be done as soon as possible following cataract surgery to prevent the implant from scarring into place— this usually happens after about three months post-surgery. Once the implant has scarred into place, it becomes more difficult to remove.

Corneal swelling

Following cataract surgery, it is not uncommon for the cornea to become inflamed. This can affect your vision clarity and be quite uncomfortable.

While this generally disappears after a few days or weeks, your eye doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to help reduce the swelling and improve vision.

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)

If you notice floating spots that look like spider webs and flashes of light after surgery, you may have a condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)— when the vitreous detaches from the retina.

This condition generally heals on its own within a couple of months, but since the symptoms can be similar to retinal detachment, it is critical to seek immediate medical care.

Increased eye pressure

Eye surgery can cause a condition called ocular hypertension, in which the intraocular pressure rises to the point that your vision is affected. Any ocular bleeding, swelling, or pieces of lens fragments left in the eye, can cause this increase in eye pressure.

If this occurs, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops, eye injections, or oral medication.

In general, high intraocular pressure can lead to glaucoma, a serious sight-threatening disease. Therefore, it is important to follow up with your eye doctor following your cataract surgery to ensure that your eye pressure remains within normal limits.

Photophobia

Photophobia, also known as increased sensitivity to light, is a normal side effect post cataract surgery.

However, if this symptom lasts more than a few days, it is important to follow up with your eye doctor, as it can indicate ocular swelling that requires treatment.

Ptosis (droopy eyelid)

Ptosis is a common side effect following ocular surgery, especially if the eyelids were stretched into an open position for an extended amount of time.

When caused by surgery, ptosis will typically disappear on its own after a couple of months. However, if you notice that your eyelid continues to droop after around six months, surgery may be necessary to strengthen the muscles that lift the eyelid, in order to return it to its correct position.

Dysphotopsia

This condition causes visual disturbances following cataract surgery. There are two primary visual disturbances that can develop:

• Negative visual disturbance: A curved shadow appears within the field of peripheral vision
• Positive visual disturbance: Halos, flashes, starbursts, and streaks of light appear within the visual field

It has yet to be discovered what causes these visual disturbances, but the condition generally goes away on its own.

If it lingers more than a few months, your eye doctor may recommend eye drops, prism lenses, or a second cataract surgery to replace the IOL with a new one.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you are thinking about cataract surgery, discuss the benefits and possible risks and complications of the procedure with an eye doctor near you. 

Most cataract surgery complications can be treated successfully without threatening your vision, but don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor— especially if you have any other health or ocular conditions.

With a 98 percent success rate, the benefits of cataract surgery and improved vision may outweigh the risks of the procedure.  

The post Cataract Surgery Complications appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived at our doorstep in late 2019, and now almost a year later we are still trying to understand how this contagion will change the world we live in.

Being forced to stay at  home, many people have rediscovered the wonders of their local environment — many people are spending more time with close family members and introducing themselves to neighbors.

Other people have devoted more time to home improvement projects, as evidenced by the dramatic increase in mid-year Home Depot earnings and the busy schedules of building contractors.

These seemingly small things are helping people to cope with the stress of the pandemic.

Moreover, an increasing number of people have also begun to appreciate the need for focusing on their medical care— which they may have ordinarily delayed or maybe even ignored altogether.

COVID-19 and visual health concerns

In the last few months, eye doctors have noticed an increase in the amount of patients looking to correct their vision once and for all. The most sought after surgical procedures include refractive eye laser surgery (LASIK), and cataract surgery. 

Some eye surgeons have more than doubled their number of scheduled eye surgeries as a result of the ongoing pandemic. 

Away from usual distractions, and with more time to reexamine life priorities, many people seem to have discovered a truth about eye care and eye health. More specifically, that improved sight leads to an improved life.

Market research studies have repeatedly shown that 80% of people that need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision, would strongly consider refractive laser surgery if they fully understood the benefits. Though, for some reason, most people don’t ask their eye doctors for information…until now.

According to studies, 95% of people are satisfied with the results of their laser eye surgery and state that LASIK surgery has improved their quality of life.

Additionally, evidence strongly suggests a positive correlation between cataract surgery and quality of life. When it comes to cataracts, one of the greatest fears of the older population is falling. With cataract surgery, not only does the patient experience a sense of freedom— from both eyeglasses and blurred vision— but also a reduction of anxiety.

If you have been thinking about laser eye surgery or are concerned about your worsening cataracts, visit your eye doctor to discuss the benefits of eye surgery.

Your improved sight can lead to an improved quality of life.

The post Improve Your Sight, Improve Your Life appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Presbyopia is the most common reason most adults begin to wear eyeglasses.

Presbyopia gradually develops overtime, beginning at around age 40— it is considered a normal stage of the aging process.

Presbyopia is the loss of ability to focus on near objects, such as words on a page, numbers on a phone, or text on a computer. In a young eye, the flexible lens inside your eye, is able to shift focus between close objects and objects at a distance. However, as you age, this lens thickens and begins to harden— losing its flexibility and affecting your near vision. Presbyopia does not cause pain or significant discomfort.

When presbyopia begins to develop, you will notice the need to hold books or other objects, such as your phone and restaurant menus, farther from your eyes to improve their clarity.

Presbyopia can also affect the visual clarity required for crafts, hobbies and other interests.

Signs of presbyopia

• Needing to hold reading material at arm’s length to see clearly
• Moving laptop of phone away to see clearly
• Needing to increase font size on digital devices
• Blurry vision for reading, especially small print
• Reduced reading vision in low lighting— such as in a restaurant
• Eye fatigue or eye strain
• Headaches when reading or doing work up-close— such as knitting
• Difficulty focusing on crafts and hobbies
• Needing brighter lighting for clearer near vision

If you suspect you have an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Do I Need Reading Glasses?

Is there a treatment for presbyopia?

A prevention or reversal of presbyopia has yet to be discovered. However, there are treatments that can help alleviate the discomfort you are experiencing.

Eyeglasses 

Reading glasses contain lenses that act in place of your natural lens to provide clear and sharp near vision. These lenses also have a magnification effect to enlarge what you are looking at. Reading glasses are only worn as needed, and can be worn simultaneously with contact lenses meant for distance vision.

Bifocal glasses have two lens prescriptions— the bottom section for near vision, the top section for distance, and a bisecting line on the lens. The downside of bifocals is that they only provide two lens powers for clear vision—near and distance.

Multifocal glasses with progressive addition lenses (PALs) are similar to bifocals, but contain multiple lens powers to provide vision at all distances— distance, reading, and the intermediate area. Multifocal lenses gradually blend the lens powers together without a bisecting line, making them more attractive than bifocals. The downside of multifocals is that the width of the clear zone for each part of the lens may appear to be narrowed.  

Contact lenses

Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are available in both soft and hard varieties. Many people prefer contact lenses over glasses because they eliminate the need to wear eyeglasses and allow for a full field of vision.

Monovision is another contact lens option in which the dominant eye wears the lens for distance vision, while the less dominant eye wears the lens for near vision.  This method can cause reduced visual acuity and some loss of depth perception.

Surgery

Surgery is usually not recommended for correction of presbyopia alone, as surgery carries the risk of complications that can permanently affect your vision.  For those who prefer not to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, there are several surgical options to treat presbyopia, some of which can be combined with other common eye surgeries;

Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery performed. When replacing your cloudy lens with a new intraocular lens (IOL), the surgeon will usually choose powers that correct your vision. The intention is to give you clear vision for all distances without needing eyeglasses.

LASIK eye surgery follows the monovision method (discussed above) by correcting the distance vision of the dominant eye and giving the non-dominant eye clear focus for all near vision.

Corneal inlay involves a procedure where a tiny lens is implanted into the cornea of the non dominant eye to increase depth of focus in that eye. It reduces the need for reading glasses, while preserving the quality of distance vision.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure that is performed before your cataracts develop, and involves replacing the old, hardened natural lenses with new intraocular lenses (IOL).

Presbyopia is a normal part of growing older and usually occurs gradually over many years, without causing any pain or significant discomfort.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are beginning to notice changes to your near vision, make an appointment with an doctor to discuss the best treatment option for you.

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