Cataracts and the Senior Population

Cataracts are a common condition in the older population, but did you know that cataracts are a regular cause of vision loss for 22 million people as young as 40? As the population in the United States continues to age, it is estimated that over 30 million Americans will have cataracts in just a few short years. By the age of 75, most Americans will have at least a mild cataract in one or both eyes.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract affects the eye’s natural lens, causing it to become cloudy which then affects a person’s vision in that eye. The clouding of the lens means the light entering our eye cannot be accurately translated by our brains into the image that we “see”. The brain cannot understand the signals it is receiving and thus what we see is blurry.

There are a few different kinds of cataracts, the most common being “nuclear cataracts”; this is the type most commonly associated with natural aging. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that some degree of yellowing and clouding in the eye is normal for persons past middle age, and those conditions will only minimally affect their vision. However, when there is excessive yellowing and the light brought into our eye scatters too much, a cataract forms and that can cause serious vision problems. Nuclear cataracts tend to progress slowly and make distance vision more difficult. They usually appear in both eyes, but not always.

Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Outside of the normal aging process, researchers are not entirely sure what causes cataracts. With the aging process, the proteins in our eyes can begin to gather together and form a small cloud on the eye’s lens. Some researchers believe oxidative stress can damage specific proteins and enzymes in the eye’s lens, which contributes to the cloudiness that builds up over time. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance in free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies. Free radicals steal electrons from the healthy cells in our bodies. As it relates to eye health, this stealing of electrons affects the fats and proteins in the eye’s lens, causing the cataract to form.

Symptoms that a cataract may be developing are blurry or cloudy vision. Colors may not seem as bright and appear to be faded. If you wear glasses or contact lenses and are continually having to adjust the prescription, it may be a sign that your eyes are undergoing a type of stress and you should see an eye doctor immediately. Other signs could be poor night vision, seeing double vision in one eye, or if lights seem to be overly bright or have a glare.

Scientists have been working on a potential eye drop that may reduce the severity of cataracts, but it is not been studied long enough to know what the long-range implications might be. Today the only treatment for cataracts is to undergo surgery to remove the lens that has become clouded. As with many other health concerns, eating a diet rich in antioxidants can keep the balance of free radicals and antioxidants in check. This may help slow down the progression of any damage to the eye that may result in a cataract, but a nutritional change will not reverse cataracts once they have developed. Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals that include Vitamins C, E and A. Fish like salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known to have positive health benefits and could reduce the risk of cataracts. In any case, adopting a healthy diet can only reap positive benefits so dig into those bright, colorful foods!

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Cataracts may be a common condition in the senior population, but they do not have to be something elderly persons have to live with if they develop. Cataract surgery is extremely common and can restore vision lost due to the formation of a cataract. This kind of surgery can also correct near- and far-sightedness as well as astigmatism, so potentially reducing the need for glasses or contacts post-surgery. Seniors should not assume that a loss of vision is a natural part of aging, it could be the beginning of a cataract that could easily be removed with a visit to their eye doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Residents at Evergreen Senior Living communities in Illinois and Indiana can speak with the Wellness Director or any member of the caregiving team if they think they may be experiencing problems with their vision. The wellness team is there to ensure residents are receiving the dedicated care and compassion they deserve and expect. The Evergreen lifestyle promotes independence and our team is there to help residents with any health concerns they may have. Visit our website to learn more about our locations and services.