August is Cataracts Awareness Month. Keep an eye out.
Cataracts aren’t cool. Unfortunately, they become more common as we age. Dr. Joe Lally, a board certified ophthalmologist with Eye Care Physicians and Surgeons, discusses a bit about cataracts, what you can do to prevent them and overall eye health.
“People are generally born with clear lenses in their eyes,” Dr. Lally says. “Over time, the lenses, which sit behind the pupil, become cloudy. … Cataracts are primarily age-related. More than 20 million Americans over the age of 40 have them.”
Blurring of vision, glare, halos around lights at night.
Dr. Lally says that diabetes is a significant risk factor in developing cataracts, so all the dietary habits people employ to avoid that disease will also help mitigate chances of cataracts. Also, not smoking and avoiding excessive sunlight (pass the 100 percent UV-protected shades!) will help.
“Cataracts are very treatable,” says Dr. Lally, who performs surgery at the Roper St. Francis Eye Center. “A lens implant procedure is usually same-day and usually sutureless. And now it can frequently reduce dependence on glasses.”
Sight to see
As the summer rolls on, Dr. Lally encourages everyone to remember eye safety. “Eye protection is always a good idea,” he says. Dr. Lally also underlined the need for up-to-date eye care. “It’s very, very important to get a regular check up,” he says. “There are risks factors like family history and diabetes, and eye disease can be picked up by an ophthalmologist.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Lally, call (843) 722-7705.