According to the National Eye Institute, over 50% of all Americans aged 80 or older will have cataracts or undergo surgery to remove them.
This shows a clear link between aging and eyesight. Most cataracts grow slowly as part of aging. There are exceptions where they appear suddenly and develop quickly.
Fast-growing cataracts occur more often in younger individuals, but they can still develop with age. Seniors are predisposed to several eye conditions. That's why treating cataracts remains an important part of senior eye health.
Escanaba is a city where you'll never be bored, from exploring the history and heritage of the local Yoopers to running at the raceway or enjoying a yearly festival. Don't let the excitement distract you from maintaining your eye health.
Read on to learn everything Escanaba seniors should know about fast-growing cataracts.
Knowing how to spot fast-growing cataracts starts with understanding how they're different from the typical ones that result from the aging process.
They share risk factors and have similar symptoms. It's the speed at which they develop and require treatment that sets them apart.
Most cataracts develop slowly over time. It can take years to see symptoms, if they appear at all.
Fast-growing cataracts can cause symptoms that disrupt daily life. It can become difficult to:
They can also require earlier surgical intervention.
Traditional cataract symptoms include:
Fast-growing cataracts develop similar symptoms, but they begin to appear sooner. They also tend to be more severe and cause more noticeable changes and vision loss.
Both types of cataracts do share much in common. These include causes and risk factors. A few of them include:
Reflect on your life and consider whether you have any of these risk factors. Many, such as smoking or UV exposure, can be managed.
You may have to talk with your doctor about others. Discuss whether you can stop taking corticosteroids in an effort to protect your eyes.
There are a few important steps that you can take to manage the symptoms of cataracts before going in for full treatment.
Ensure that you have plenty of light at home, at work, or in your assisted living community in MI. It'll help you see and keep you from falling or bumping into anything.
Wearing sunglasses is essential to protect your eyes from UV rays, so try to find pairs that have anti-glare properties. This can help manage the increased glare that comes with cataracts.
Use magnifying glasses when needed. They can help you with reading and other activities where you have to see close up.
If these methods prove insufficient, you may need to seek treatment. It's the only way to get back to your normal life.
There is no effective medication for any form of cataract. The primary treatment is surgery to replace the clouded lens.
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. There are an estimated 3.8 million cases worldwide.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under topical or local anesthesia. It's relatively painless with a quick recovery period. Any irritation you feel afterwards can be managed with topical pain medication.
Cataract surgery has a proven track record of success. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 9 out of 10 patients see improvement in their vision after surgery.
Fast-growing cataracts may necessitate surgery sooner than traditional ones. If you don't get it soon enough, it may be too late to restore your vision.
It's advisable to seek surgery as soon as the cataracts begin interfering with daily activities.
Living in assisted living in Escanaba does not necessarily mean cataracts are inevitable for you. It also doesn't mean you can't work to slow their development.
Taking the right steps can help prevent any cataracts, even the ones that develop quickly. Safeguard your eyes with the right lifestyle choices, and they will reward you.
Schedule a dilated eye exam every one to two years. The doctor will be able to check for cataracts and other conditions.
This is particularly important for detecting fast-growing cataracts. It's true that they cause more symptoms than slower-growing ones, but they also require earlier intervention. The faster the diagnosis, the better.
Manage any chronic illness you have.
Among the most critical conditions to manage is diabetes; therefore, strive to maintain your blood sugar levels.
Any deregulation can increase your risk of cataracts. It can also lead to the development of other eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy.
Follow a balanced diet. Focus on leafy greens and citrus fruits. Include nuts, seeds, and fatty fish for protein. These foods are full of eye-nurturing vitamins and minerals such as:
Senior living in Escanaba makes this part of the process easier. They provide three nutritious meals daily. All you have to do is eat them to get the nutrients you need.
The beauty of the land and the exciting amenities at your Escanaba assisted living community aren't worth putting your vision at risk. All you need to do is prepare.
Shield your eyes from harmful sunlight. Wear sunglasses that block all UVA and UVB rays.
Shield your eyes from any potential trauma. Wear protective eyewear when you're playing potentially dangerous sports or using power tools.
Cataracts are a leading cause of age-related vision issues, but fast-growing cataracts are even worse. They can affect almost any age group, and symptoms come quickly. Getting surgery can help you get back to your life.
Lakehouse Escanaba is an assisted living community that helps seniors thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
Our apartments offer privacy and convenience, located just steps away from our beautiful outdoor spaces. Everything they'll ever need is within reach.
Seniors in our community can enjoy convenience and full Escanaba wellness. Contact us about joining our community today.