Page 6 - 2018 Conway Senior Expo

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018 SENIOR EXPO • RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE
Regular eye checkups may help detect early signs of cataracts.
Clear vision
Learn about cataracts to improve eyesight
Many people take their vision for granted until a problem arises that affects their ability to see. While certain
conditions may occur suddenly, others develop more gradually and may not even be noticeable until the problem has progressed significantly.
Cataracts are a common vision problem often associated with aging. The National Eye Institute states that by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Prevent Blindness America states that there are more cases of cataracts worldwide than there are of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined. The American Optometric Association
defines a cataract as a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending on their size, cataracts can interfere with normal vision. They typically occur in people older than 55.
A cataract can be present in one or both eyes. The lens is responsible for helping to focus light or an image on the retina. In a healthy lens, fluid and protein are arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear, the NEI states. However, as one ages, the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens.
Over time, this clouding may grow. Researchers also suspect that there are other causes of cataracts, such as smoking or diabetes. In addition, wear and tear on the lens can develop into cataract clouding. Significant alcohol