Cataracts can be present in either one or both eyes but cannot spread from one eye to another. They usually run in families. Symptoms • blurry or misty vision • seeing muted colour • sensitivity to light • double vision • compromised night vision Treatment While, over time, cataracts can lead to vision loss, today one can have a simple surgical procedure to remove them. Safe and swift, outpatient cataract surgery corrects the vision problems associated with the condition. Surgery is recommended when cataracts start to affect your ability to perform everyday tasks, like driving, reading or watching television. During the procedure the cataracts (clouded lens) are removed through a micro-incision and permanently replaced with an intraocular lens – an artificial lens. In most cases, surgery also eliminates the need for glasses. Vision generally improves within a few days. Surgery, however, is seldom the first line of treatment. One can better manage the condition by: • wearing anti-glare sunglasses • using brighter lights at home • using magnifying lenses for reading or other sight-intensive activities • seeing your eye doctor for regular checkups to monitor the progression of the cataracts • getting a new or a stronger prescription for glasses or contact lenses early on can also be effective. MACULAR DEGENERATION Impacting central vision, meaning patients cannot see things directly in front of them, macular degeneration is a progressive disease that affects the macula – a small but important area in the centre of the retina at the back of one’s eye. Macular degeneration is mainly age-related but is also associated with a family history of the disease, diabetes, smoking, being overweight and having high blood pressure. There are two types of macular degeneration: Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration: By far the most common form of macular degeneration, the dry form develops when yellow protein deposits form under the macula and dry out, making it thinner. The effects are gradual, complete central vision loss is rare, and peripheral vision remains functional. However, in some cases, dry macular degeneration can become the wet form of the disease. CONTENTS | 5 BETTER HEALTH
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