Cataracts

---

 A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The natural lens, located behind the cornea and iris, focuses light on the retina to allow your eye to see a sharp, clear image. As we age, proteins in the lens can clump together and cloud the lens. As a result, light is unable to pass through this now cloudy lens and creates a hazy image instead of a clear one. Initially, in the early stages of development, cataracts may have little effect on vision. However, as cataracts progress, changes in vision may occur and symptoms start to occur.

 The most common symptoms of a cataract include:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Colors seem faded
• Seeing halos around lights
• Sensitivity to glare from lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Double vision

 The most common cause for cataracts is simply the aging of the eye. Other causes include:

• Certain diseases such as diabetes
• Smoking
• Long-term exposure to sunlight
• Alcohol use
• Injury to the eye
• Certain medications such as steroids

Since the underlying cause of most cataracts is the aging process, anything that we do to slow the aging process will help to slow the rate of development of cataracts:

• Diet: A diet rich in anti-oxidants slows the aging process in general, and therefore will help slow the development of cataracts. Dr. Johnson believes strongly in food as prevention. The best way to make sure that you are getting your anti-oxidants is to “Eat a Rainbow.” When you look at your plate you should see a rainbow of colors from fruits and vegetables: 
  • Green a MUST 
  • Red
  • Purple 
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Avoid white foods (white rice, white bread, white pasta). 

  An added benefit of the Rainbow Diet will be protection from other eye diseases such as macular degeneration, and overall better health.
  

• Avoid smoking and second hand cigarette smoke.
• Wear Sunglasses  outside always, even on overcast days.

 If you’ve done all to try to prevent  cataracts, yet you still develop them, there are excellent treatment options available! Thankfully, the great majority of individuals whose eyesight is impaired by this common condition have an excellent and effective solution in the form of cataract surgery. In fact, cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the US and Dr Johnson is among the top cataract surgeons in the country. Ultimately, the decision to have cataract surgery can be a life-changing one—allowing you to experience clear vision once again.