Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month

1. Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month http://www.cornell-eye.com/

2. Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month • Summer sun is shining bright in our eyes in Beverly Hills. While many of us are looking forward to the outdoor activities next month, you must first take the opportunity to recognize your eye health and learn proper protection care for your eyes. Many of us fail to realize that cataracts is the most common cause of vision loss nationwide with over 24 million Americans over the age of 40 who have cataracts. As Cataract Awareness Month (June) edges closer we want to remind you to take preventive steps to help reduce your risks of developing cataracts

3. Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month • A cataract in your eye is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This lens rests behind the iris and if the iris is healthy, it will appear transparent. When a cataract is present the lens becomes cloudy and obstructs the passage of light entering the eye. • Cataracts are caused from a variety of sources, including heredity, nutrition, and excessive ultraviolet light.

4. Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month More often, an individual’s case for cataracts includes factors, such as: • Natural aging • Intense heat • Diabetes • Inflammation • Eye injuries and eye diseases • Smoking

5. Three Steps to Help Prevent Cataracts • Although cataracts do not occur in everyone there are ways to help keep your eyes healthy and delay the occurrence of cataracts. Once cataracts have developed to a certain degree in the individual there is no other method to reverse it, other than cataract surgery. Here are three steps to help reduce your risk of cataracts:

6. Wear Proper Sunglasses • Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet rays during summer is a habit that should be followed by anyone, no matter how young they are. Protective sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection will protect your eyes from excessive light exposure which can accelerate formation of cataracts

7. Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month Quit Smoking • Most Americans realize by now the effects that smoking has on their health, but many do not realize the effects that smoking has on their eye health. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of cataract development, so if you have not done so already kick the habit of smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption also contributes to cataracts, but research shows that drinking in moderation does not increase the risk.

8. Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month Schedule An Eye Exam • The best solution to stop cataracts from progressing is through a comprehensive eye exam. This will allow your doctor to investigate for signs of cataracts and other vision diseases. According to Prevent Blindness in America, most patients need cataract surgery when their vision is obscured and they cannot perform everyday tasks at work or home.

9. Protection Habits to Adopt for Cataract Awareness Month Though it is not easy to fit everything in to a busy summer schedule, your optometrist in Beverly Hills wants to remind you to follow healthy lifestyle habits that ensure long-lasting strength in your vision.