Do All Elderly People Eventually Develop Cataracts?

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The older you get, the more common it is to hear about parents, grandparents and older friends developing cataracts. It probably seems like all elderly people eventually get cataracts. While over half of elderly people over age 80 do develop cataracts, it’s not a foregone conclusion. In Champaign, IL cataract treatment and prevention help is available at Champaign Eye Professionals.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are caused by a clouding up of the lens on the surface of the eye. The clouding is due to protein build-up. Cataracts develop slowly, over time. If you are developing cataracts, then you may notice your vision becoming hazy or blurry. Eventually, cataracts can cause total blindness. You can avoid this scenario by taking steps now to prevent cataracts. While elderly people are more likely to develop cataracts, all older people do not always get cataracts.

Tips to Prevent Cataracts

If you would prefer to avoid needing treatment for cataracts in Champaign, IL altogether, there are ways to help prevent this condition:

  • Wear sunglasses. Chronic UV light exposure has been shown to be a contributing factor for developing cataracts.
  • Quit smoking. Nicotine and other toxic ingredients in tobacco products lower your immune system’s ability to ward off cataracts, as well as causes more pressure inside the blood vessels in your eyes and body.
  • Increase vegetable intake. A healthy diet will enhance your immune system and keep you healthier overall.
  • Get regular eye exams. Your eye doctor in Champaign, IL can screen you for the development of cataracts. The sooner they are detected, the better for your outcome.

The best way for you to avoid being part of the statistic on elderly people developing cataracts is to take care of your eyes and have regular eye exams. Contact us to learn more about cataracts and the available treatment.

Eye Exam

5 Symptoms of Cataracts

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When the lens of your eye is clear, you have no trouble seeing. However, once that lens becomes cloudy, things get much tougher due to a cataract that has likely formed. Though they develop slowly, cataracts will over time impact your vision. Fortunately, they can be treated safely and effectively with help from your eye doctor in Champaign, IL. If you suspect you may have cataracts, here are some of the most common symptoms.

1. Cloudy Lens

If you notice your eye has started to look cloudy, this makes it almost certain your eye has developed a cataract. When your eye lens is cloudy, you will feel as if you are trying to look through a window that is fogged up.

2. Need for Brighter Light

In some situations, you may now find you require much brighter light when reading, watching television, or performing other activities. This is due to the cloudy lens distorting more and more of the light that passes through the lens. Cataract surgery in Champaign, IL can help.

3. Sensitivity to Lights and Glare

Whether it’s when you are outside on a sunny day or when you are driving your car at night, you may notice your eyes are much more sensitive to sunlight or the glare from the headlights of approaching vehicles.

4. Seeing Halos Around Lights

Especially noticeable at night, seeing halos around streetlights and other lights is an indication that cataracts may be starting to form inside one or both of your eyes.

5. Fading or Yellowing of Colors

If you have always been a person who noticed vibrant colors but now find colors seem to be fading or even yellowing, cataracts may be to blame.

If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms linked to cataracts, book an appointment with your eye doctor for cataract services in Champaign, IL as soon as possible.

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What Harm Does UV Light Actually Cause?

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When you are outside on a sunny day, you may not be thinking much about how UV light can damage your eyes. However, the sun’s rays can in fact severely harm your eyes if you are not careful. Chronic exposure to UV light can lead to several issues, including to macular degeneration in Champaign, IL. Thus, while outside, keep in mind the following ways UV light can actually cause harm to your eyesight.

Two Types of UV Rays

To start with, there are two types of UV rays, these being UV-A and UV-B. UV-A can cause damage to your central vision, while UV-B rays affect the cornea and lens on the front of your eye. Should your eyes be impacted by these rays, the result could be such serious conditions as cataracts, macular degeneration, or even skin cancer around your eyelids.

Children are at Greater Risk

While adults can certainly be impacted by UV rays, children are at much greater risk. In fact, by the time the average person turns 20 years old, they have already received well over 80% of the UV exposure they will have during their lifetime. Since children have lenses that are more transparent than those of adults, UV rays can affect them much quicker and with more serious results. Also, children who spend much time outside without proper eye protection are more prone to developing cataracts or other conditions later on as adults.

Sunburned Eyes

Whether it’s looking directly at the sun or having its UV rays reflect off of sand, water, or even snow, adults and children can actually get sunburned eyes, which is referred to as corneal sunburn. If you experience this, contact your Champaign, IL eye doctor right away.

If you or your children start to experience such problems as vision loss that you suspect may be due to UV damage or the symptoms of macular degeneration in Champaign, IL, contact your eye doctor immediately to set up an appointment for a comprehensive exam that will determine what is wrong.

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Should I Get Bifocals or Trifocals?

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When you get to a certain age, your eye doctor in Champagne, IL may recommend that you get prescription eyeglasses with either bifocals or trifocals. This will enable you to better see both near and far, despite your eyes’ natural shortcomings. Prescription eyewear is a serious decision, so you want to get it right when choosing eyeglasses in Champagne, IL.

What Are Bifocals?

Bifocals are eyeglass lenses with two different powers in each lens. The topmost part of the lens will enable you to see clearly in the distance. The bottommost part of the lens is for close-up work, such as reading, sewing, etc.

What Are Trifocals?

Trifocals have three different powers in each lens. In addition to the two powers that bifocals have, trifocals also have a thin strip of a third power that is intended to enable you to see clearly in the middle distance, such as your computer screen while you’re working or browsing online.

Both bifocal and trifocal eyeglasses in Champaign, IL come in a “no-line” version. That is, there will be no visible line of demarcation between the various areas of power on the lens. This type of lens is also called progressive because it’s easier to transition into a different power.

Which Lens Type Should You Get?

Trifocal lenses are most often recommended for older folks who have more complex vision problems, but anyone can wear them. The downside of trifocals is that they take more time to get used to; more than you think. Bifocals are best for people who just need two separate powers for near seeing and far-seeing. If you have bifocals and find it challenging to clearly see what’s on your computer screen, chances are you might be a good candidate for trifocals. Your eye doctor in Champagne, IL will be better able to advise you according to your individual circumstances.

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3 Tips to Avoid Losing Your Sunglasses this Summer

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Sunglasses are easy to lose! Since your sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and also prevent you from injuring your eyes on sunny days, it’s important to keep your sunglasses available. If you’re a very active person in summer, these tips can help you keep your sunglasses on-hand and available, right where you need them.

1. Establish a Place Where Your Sunglasses “Live”

Get used to putting your sunglasses back in the same place every time you put them down. This may be a location in your purse, in your car, or even in your home. Establishing a place where your sunglasses “live” will mean you’ll only ever need to look one place to find them.

2. Use a Visor Clip In Your Car

Put a visor clip on your vehicle’s visor, so you can put your sunglasses on the clip, where they’ll always be easy to reach when you’re driving. One thing to note: it’s important to use a visor clip that has a soft pouch for your sunglasses. Don’t put your sunglasses on a visor that causes scratches.

3. Keep a Glasses Case On Hand

Keep a sunglasses case on hand, and always put your sunglasses in that case. Choose a case that’s brightly colored, so it will stand out when you’re looking for it.

Lose Sunglasses Frequently? Keep Two Pairs On Hand!

As your eye doctor in Champaign, we can help you find the right pair of sunglasses for your summer in the sun. Call today to make an appointment for an eye exam, then browse our selection for a new pair of sunglasses when you’re done.