Watch out for cataract!

Wearing sunglasses and regular eye check up may prevent cataract which leads to blindness.

Medically, cataract is referred to that clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The risk of cataract increases as one gets older. However, eye specialist says other risk factors for cataract include: diseases such as diabetes, personal behaviour like smoking and the prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Specialist advice that once someone begins to have symptoms such as cloudy or blurry vision, colours seem faded or glare, headlights, lamps, or sunlight appearing too bright, poor night vision, double vision or multiple images in one eye, frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses, it is important to consult an eye specialist for cataract or other eye problem.

Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes: visual acuity test, dilated eye exam which is the eye drops placed in the eyes to widen or dilate the eye, or by using a tonometry instrument to measure the pressure inside the eye.

Specialist says the symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

Eye nurses advice that wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract,.

If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

Those above 60 years or older, are advised to carry out comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. Besides cataract, individuals are urged to consult an eye specialist for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders.

Early treatment for many eye diseases may save the sight.