Cataracts are a clouding of the eyes’ lens that occur due to congenital issues, trauma to the eyes, secondary causes and as part of the natural aging process. The lens of an eye is normally a clear structure that sits behind the iris, the colored part of the eye that transmits light rays to the back of the eyeball and communicates images to the brain. As a result, when the lens becomes cloudy, vision is inevitably impacted.

Aging related cataracts are the most common form, and affect about 90% of adults aged 65 and older, compromising the eyesight of about 50%. Depending upon the location of the cataracts, this form that affects older adults has three subcategories; nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular. Cataracts are diagnosed by an eye doctor, using a variety of tests to gauge loss of sight, peripheral vision and to determine if the senior might benefit from a new eyeglass prescription or cataracts surgery. Since there is no medication to effectively treat cataracts or slow their development, an operation to move the cloudy lens and replace it was a more adequate artificial one is the most common treatment method.

In order to help prevent the onset of cataracts, seniors over the age of 65 should focus on maintaining a healthy active lifestyle that will benefit their overall well-being as well as the health of their eyes. Smoking, heavy drinking, inactivity, poor eating habits are common lifestyle factors that increase the risk of cataracts, and other influences are diabetes, UV exposure, long-term use of certain medications, and family history.

If your loved one needs any assistance with transportation to and from appointments please contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office.

Sources: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cataracts/article_em.htm
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/cataracts.html