Cataracts occur when the lens in an eye becomes clouded and produces blurry vision, typically over time. While cataracts are common and should be checked regularly for, some cases have developed early on in life.

Macular degeneration comes in two varieties – dry and wet. Of these two forms, wet degeneration is more severe, leading to rapid loss of central vision.

Early Detection

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula of your retina deteriorates and causes blurry vision, becoming one of the leading causes of legal blindness among Americans over 50. AMD progresses gradually over time into two forms: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration – wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the macula that leak fluid, leading to severe scarring of central vision loss more rapidly than dry AMD; it thankfully occurs less often.

Legacy Eye Care can assist in helping to slow the progression of macular degeneration through regular eye exams and reporting any changes immediately. You can also safeguard your vision by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids; being physically active; not smoking; wearing UV-protective sunglasses and protecting them with sunglasses that offer UV protection; staying physically fit and not smoking – and wearing UV protective sunglasses! Inquire with your doctor regarding possible dietary supplements which could assist in treating and preventing macular degeneration such as vitamin C E lutein Zeaxanthin and zinc supplements may help protect your eyesight from further harm.

Cataracts are an inevitable part of aging, yet can quickly become a serious health concern if left untreated. Common symptoms of cataracts include cloudy or blurred vision at night; often patients don’t recognize they have cataracts until it interferes with daily activities.

An annual comprehensive eye exam can detect cataracts and other eye health conditions, such as glaucoma. Your eye care professional will use a Snellen chart to measure your visual acuity before dilaterating your pupil in order to evaluate the inside of your eye as well as retina.

Surgery is the primary solution to cataracts, which involves extracting the lens and replacing it with an artificial synthetic lens. This procedure is considered safe and often results in improved vision afterward.

If you are over 60, contact an eye care provider immediately for an eye exam. By recognizing macular degeneration and cataract symptoms early, early intervention can significantly lessen their impact. Furthermore, early detection reduces risks of further vision loss, prevent complications, and lead to improved quality of life for you and your loved ones.

Preventative Measures

Macular degeneration, an eye condition affecting more than 800,000 Canadians over 50, is characterized by the gradual loss of central vision. This disease develops when part of the retina known as macula begins deteriorating over time. There are two forms of this disease – wet and dry – each leading to progressive worsening of vision with time. Wet macular degeneration is more severe than dry forms as blood vessels grow directly on the retina surface and create scarring, bleeding and protein leakage, leading to rapid vision loss. There are steps you can take to help prevent macular degeneration and cataract surgery through early detection and regular visits with your eye doctor; early detection and follow-up are vital.

Vitamin supplements may help lower your risk of cataracts or macular degeneration, in combination with maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking and limiting exposure to ultraviolet rays. Studies have shown that diets rich in antioxidants such as green tea, cinnamon, berries and oranges can decrease cataract formation while slowing macular degeneration progression; other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish or nuts may also assist in decreasing risk.

At cataract surgery, your eye surgeon inserts an ultrasound probe to break up and extract the lens material. While you may experience some discomfort during this procedure, your vision should improve within days afterward. Colors may seem brighter after surgery as their natural yellow or brown tint muted them prior to being surgically extracted from your eye. After having cataract surgery it is essential that you follow-up with your doctor within 24-48 hours, followed by another visit in 7-14 days so as to monitor healing.

Cataracts do not progress faster or slower in smokers than nonsmokers; however, smoking increases your risk for other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and glaucoma which increase cataract development or complications post surgery – hence it is imperative that smokers stop smoking if they have not already done so.

Symptoms

Macular degeneration symptoms depend on both its type and progression. Affecting the macula of the retina, macular degeneration affects vision loss differently at various rates depending on which form it takes: dry and wet macular degeneration are two primary forms. Dimming or distortion in central vision to complete blindness may result. People affected with dry macular degeneration may still retain peripheral vision (their outer edges of field of vision), while wet macular degeneration causes rapid vision loss due to abnormal blood vessels that leak under their retinal.

Most patients suffering from cataracts will notice blurry or cloudy vision at night, along with difficulty in performing tasks requiring focused vision such as driving and reading. A comprehensive eye exam by your eye doctor should enable him or her to diagnose cataracts accurately.

As soon as cataracts are identified, treatment becomes simpler. Eyeglasses, brighter lighting, antiglare sunglasses and magnifying lenses may often help treat early cataracts; otherwise surgery may be the only viable solution.

Cataract surgery entails replacing an eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, providing significant improvements in quality of life for patients. Better vision makes exercising, cooking and driving easier and reduces risks such as falls which are one of the main sources of senior disability.

Studies demonstrate a correlation between loss of sight and dementia and cataract surgery; one recent research project concluded that cataract surgery decreased by 29 percent the chance of dementia over an eight-year period.

Early detection of macular degeneration and cataracts is essential in slowing vision loss. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, arrange to meet with Dr. Beth Bruening at our Beverly Hills, California office by either calling or booking online – she looks forward to providing the care your eyes require while accepting many insurance plans!

Treatment

If straight lines seem wavy or your vision becomes unclear, these could be symptoms of macular degeneration – the leading cause of severe blindness among people over 50. Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection from Dr. Richlin, OD & Associates can prevent further vision loss through fast assessment using cutting edge technologies that quickly detect changes to your macula so as to limit damage and protect vision loss.

Macular degeneration is a progressive condition that attacks the macula of your retina, gradually destroying central vision until eventually leading to blindness. There are two forms of macular degeneration; dry and wet forms. With wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels form underneath your retina which cause rapid vision loss; however most patients still retain some peripheral (side) vision as the disease progresses.

Macular degeneration cannot be cured, but you can slow its progress with a healthy diet including dark green vegetables like kale and spinach; fruits such as blueberries; and nutritional supplements. Regular eye exams – particularly during your 50s – may also provide invaluable benefits.

Cataract surgery has been shown to help vision in eyes with coexisting macular degeneration, with no increase in progression as a result of surgery. You must however be cautious not to rub or exert pressure on the eye while recovering, which could cause itching and discomfort that should subside over the following few days. You will require a protective shield during recovery time as well as taking prescription eye drops prescribed to you post-surgery to prevent infection, control pressure and reduce swelling afterward.

If you suffer from wet macular degeneration, laser treatment may be recommended by your physician. This procedure uses painless laser light to destroy abnormal, leaking blood vessels beneath the retina and may help slow its progression; however, this cannot restore lost central vision.