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Eye See You: Raising Cataract Awareness

More than half a million Australians are affected by cataracts, but this eye disorder does not always have to spell doom and gloom. Whether you are affected by cataracts yourself, or it has been diagnosed in a loved one, this is the place to learn more about cataracts to raise awareness about this issue. From the reason for cataracts to treatment options, there is plenty to read up on here. A cataract diagnosis is not an automatic blindness diagnosis, so take the time to educate yourself about this medical problem so that any diagnosis is met head-on with positivity and optimism.

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Eye See You: Raising Cataract Awareness

Understanding Visions Problems, Causes and Treatment

by Carole Roberts

According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.2 billion people worldwide have vision impairment. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are the top causes of vision impairment. While many people take eyesight for granted, it is vital to go for a regular eye checkup. Regular eye checkups help to detect eye problems early enough. 

Poor vision is caused by numerous factors including age, environment and genetics. Blurry vision involves losing eyesight sharpness such that objects start appearing hazy. Refractive errors, including farsightedness and nearsightedness, are the leading causes of blurred visions. 

If you experience vision loss, you will need vision correction tools such as contact lenses, surgical correction or eyeglasses to see properly. Sudden vision changes blurry vision or vision loss can be a telltale of an underlying serious health problem such as brain tumour. Vision loss can occur suddenly or gradually leading complete or partial loss.

What Are The Main Causes Of Vision Impairment?

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an age-related disorder caused by the deterioration of macular leading to blurred vision. Macular is a part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. People suffering from age-related macular degeneration experience reading difficulty. As the disease progresses, they experience blurred vision. Worse still, macular degeneration can cause loss of central vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss.

Age is the main risk factor of age-related macular disease. This means that it is more likely to affect people above the age of 50 years. Smoking and genetics are also a risk factor associated with this disease. Although there is no known cure for macular degeneration, lifestyle changes such as exercising, dieting and avoiding smoking can go a long way in reducing the risks and even progression of the disease.

Cataracts 

Cataracts cause blurred or clouded vision by clouding the lens. The clouded area interferes with light penetration through the eye lens to the retina leading to general vision loss. People suffering from cataracts are also light-sensitive and have difficulty with night vision. The main causes of cataracts are genetics, injury and ultraviolet radiation. The good news is that cataract can be surgically corrected if you have healthy eyes. However, cataract surgery may be impossible for people suffering from other eye diseases.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that narrows the field of vision. There are no early telltale signs of glaucoma. Glaucoma patients also experience blurred peripheral visions and difficulty with night vision. If detected early, glaucoma can be treated with drugs. It is impossible to restore vision once it is lost. However, treatment can slow or reduce additional vision impairment.

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