6 tips that can help delay or prevent cataracts

The world's leading cause of blindness, cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded. In most cases, lens fibers clump together due to age-related deterioration.

Cataracts, however, can develop in younger individuals due to eye injuries, eye diseases or inflammation.

Here are six tips that can help delay or prevent cataracts from causes other than aging.

1. Protect your eyes from trauma. An injury to the eye can cause cataracts to form. Wear safety glasses when the situation calls for them.

2. Protect your eyes from the side effects of medications, including prolonged use of steroids, tranquilizers, and psoriasis medications, which can cause cataracts when taken in large doses over a long period of time.

3. Don't smoke, say doctors at the Mayo Clinic.

4. People with diabetes should keep their blood sugar under control. Diabetics often get cataracts at an earlier age than other adults.

5. Protect your eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. They accelerate the development of cataracts. Wear ultraviolet-protective sunglasses outside.

6. Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene, have been shown to slow the development of cataracts. Get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to shield your eyes from inflammation.

Dr. Eye Treatment
Dark Circles Cure

Evan H. Farr on Google +

Age Related Macular Degeneration: What to Look For

"Approximately 10% of patients 66 to 74 years of age will have findings of macular degeneration. The prevalence increases to 30% in patients 75 to 85 years of age." Source.

"Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision," the National Eye Institute explains in its article, "Facts About Age Related Macular Degeneration." 

Since AMD is a common problem for Seniors, it is important for Seniors to understand what to look for. 

First, you should know what "Drusen" means: "[Drusen are] yellow deposits under the retina. They often are found in people over age 60," says the article.

For individuals who have noticed numerous small drusen, or medium sized drusen in smaller amounts, they should realize this may be a signal of "early AMD" even though they aren't experiencing vision loss or other symptoms.

Larger numbers of medium-sized drusen or even one large drusen may be suffering "intermeddiate AMD."  If an individual needs to use more light than usual.

For people with blurred spots in their vision, difficulty reading, or many large drusen, "advanced dry AMD" may be the issue.
Photographer: Salvatore Vuono
  Evan H. Farr on Google +