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Some Foods May Lower Your Risk for Cataracts

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Some risk factors for cataracts are out of your control, but you can choose certain healthy foods to lower your risk of developing cataracts.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts develop naturally as part of the aging process. Around age 40, proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, creating a cloudy area or cataract. Several risk factors can cause cataracts to develop more quickly or at a younger age. These may include the following:

  • Using tobacco or alcohol
  • Diseases like diabetes, glaucoma or hypertension
  • Overexposure to sunlight, ultraviolet rays or x-rays
  • Eye trauma
  • Nutrition deficiency

Foods That Fight Against Cataracts

Certain foods may help reduce your risk for cataracts or delay cataract development.

Eggs

Eggs are a high-quality protein recommended for most adults for a heart-healthy diet. In addition, egg yolks are high in zeaxanthin, a pigment that promotes eye health. One study found that for every 10 milligrams of zeaxanthin, patients experienced a 26 percent decrease in cataract development.

Salmon

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which is associated with lower cataract risk. It also contains high amounts of selenium and iodine. Some good plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.

SunGold Kiwi

Vitamin C significantly impacts eye health, especially when it comes to cataracts. Studies show that higher levels of vitamin C reduce the risk of a cataract. Kiwi has more vitamin C than any commonly eaten fruit. In particular, SunGold kiwi is among the most nutritionally dense fruits and contains more than 100 percent of the recommended vitamin C intake.

Pumpkin

Research proves that diets rich in vitamins A and E are associated with fewer cataracts. One serving of pumpkin provides 300 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E and 10 percent of vitamin A. You don’t have to wait until fall to indulge in pumpkin. Add pumpkin puree to smoothies, muffins and oatmeal.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Diagnose Cataracts Early

An ophthalmologist can examine you for cataracts as part of a comprehensive eye exam. Your treatment will depend on how fully the cataract has developed. Surgery is the only way to eliminate a cataract, but you may not require surgery immediately. However, you will want to schedule cataract surgery once cataracts begin to interfere with driving, reading or housework.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safe procedures performed in the United States. A surgeon will remove the clouded lens from your eye and replace it with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). These lenses will never wear out and are customized to your eye to provide near vision, distance vision or both.

Are you under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist? We can help. Our physicians are accepting new patients and are ready to meet your vision needs. In addition, our eye care centers are located nationwide and offer complete vision care for the entire family.

Failing Vision Can Be Misdiagnosed as Brain Decline

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A new study by the University of South Australia suggests millions of elderly people with vision problems like cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are being misdiagnosed with cognitive decline.

What Are Cataracts and Macular Degeneration?

Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are common causes of vision loss but do not affect cognitive function. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens and are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 55. Over half of Americans will develop a cataract by age 75.

AMD affects five percent of Americans aged 65 and older. Although it does not cause blindness, it affects the ability to drive, read, cook and do everyday tasks.

Poor Vision or Cognitive Impairment?

Brain tests that use vision-dependent tasks could be giving false results in up to 25 percent of patients over 50 who have AMD or cataracts. Researchers from the University of South Australia studied 24 participants with normal vision and asked them to complete two cognitive exams. One exam included vision-dependent activities, and the other used verbal-based metrics.

When the participants used glasses to simulate AMD, they received much lower scores on brain tests involving reaction time tasks compared to when they were not wearing the glasses. The research team noted no difference with verbal fluency tests when participants used the simulation glasses.

“A mistaken score in cognitive tests could have devastating ramifications, leading to unnecessary changes to a person’s living, working, financial or social circumstances,” University of South Australia PhD candidate Anne Macnamara told Medical Xpress. “For example, if a mistaken score contributed to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, it could trigger psychological problems including depression and anxiety.”

Unfortunately, vision problems are often missed in clinical and research environments. The research team estimates experts underestimate visual impairments in half of all older adults. This statistic will increase as the population ages, so it is crucial that researchers examine vision when analyzing cognitive function in older people.

Prioritize Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams.

A yearly comprehensive eye exam looks at your vision and your eye health. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate you for the following:

  • Focusing problems
  • Refractive errors
  • Eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts

Are you looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area? Our eye centers are located nationwide, and our caring staff is equipped to meet your vision needs. Call today to make an appointment.

Vision Improves After Cataract Surgery

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If your eyes are more sensitive to bright lights while driving your car at night, you may have cataracts.

If you notice the color of objects has faded or yellowed, you may have cataracts.

If you experience blurry or double vision in one or both eyes, you may have cataracts.

Nearly one in six or about 24 million Americans 40 or older have cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye, which is normally caused by aging. Cataracts happen when proteins in your lens break down, causing objects around you to look hazy or blurry.

June is Cataract Awareness Month. So, it’s a great time to let you know that cataracts are easy to diagnose and that sight-restoring treatment is readily available. Early symptoms of cataracts may be improved with new glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses, but cataract surgery is the most effective treatment.

Variety of IOLs Available for Vision, Lifestyle

Since 1995, more than 500 million cataract procedures have been performed worldwide. Approximately 4 million cataract procedures are performed every year in the U.S. and nearly 28 million worldwide (Healio).

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens called an IOL, or intraocular lens. An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no care.

You and your doctor decide which type of IOL is right for your visual needs and your lifestyle. Examples of IOLs include the following:

  • Monofocal lenses offer vision at one distance only (far, intermediate or near).
  • A toric IOL can be used to correct astigmatism to provide clear distance vision.
  • Multifocal IOLs are designed to help you see near, far and intermediate with as little glasses or contact use as possible.

During the pandemic surges, elective surgeries like cataract removal, joint replacements and non-emergency hernia repairs were often canceled to free up hospital beds for COVID-19 patients. Elective surgery is an operation scheduled in advance to address non-life-threatening health problems.

Although it’s considered an elective procedure, cataract surgery is essential for good health. If not treated, cataracts may impair or cause near-complete loss of vision, which can impact the active lifestyle and well-being of the patient.

“Many adults in the U.S. have postponed their medical care and procedures throughout the pandemic, including elective surgeries,” said Indira Venkat, Vice President, Consumer Insights at AARP. “It’s important to keep in touch with your health care providers to maintain good health and wellbeing, especially for older adults who are more likely to have chronic health conditions.” (Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation)

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most common and most effective surgical procedures performed in the United States, according to the U.S. National Eye Institute. This outpatient surgery only takes a few hours from the time you arrive at the center until you go home, allowing you to return to your life quickly. The surgery itself generally takes less than 30 minutes.

The cost of cataract surgery depends on the type of procedure, the facility (hospital vs. ambulatory surgery center), location of the facility (factor in the cost of living) and the type of IOL (standard vs. premium).

Impaired vision can prevent you from living an active lifestyle and doing activities you love with family and friends. If you cancel or delay your cataract surgery, you may experience difficulty performing tasks around your home, increased risk of falls or fractures and challenges with reading or driving.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Your vision is important to you. Your vision is important to us. If your vision is impaired, don’t delay your care. If you and your doctor determine you have cataracts, consider scheduling cataract surgery at one of our cost-effective ambulatory surgery centers. Click here to find a center near you.

Cataract Surgery Could Lower Your Risk for Dementia

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Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed today. Both safe and effective, cataract removal can often provide people with the clearest eyesight they have ever experienced. In addition, new research finds that cataract surgery could offer an unexpected benefit: a reduced risk of developing dementia.

Cataract Surgery Lowers Dementia Risk by 30 Percent

The Adult Changes in Thought study observed 5,000 patients over age 65. Based on data from 3,000 participants, the research team discovered that patients who had cataract surgery experienced a 30 percent lower risk of developing dementia than patients who did not have cataract surgery. Additionally, they found the reduced risk of dementia lasted at least ten years after surgery.

“This is really exciting because no other medical intervention has shown such a strong association with lessening dementia risk in older individuals,” said Cecilia S Lee, M.D., associate professor and Klorfine Family Endowed Chair in ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the lead researcher for the study (Medical Xpress).

Other Health Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can offer many other health benefits besides a lower risk for dementia.

  1. Reduced risk for falls and fractures. Poor vision is a common cause of falling. A 2012 study found cataract surgery reduced the risk for hip fractures in the elderly by 23 percent.
  2. Improved night vision and driving safety. One study used driving simulators to evaluate patients’ night vision who underwent first and second cataract surgery. After a first surgery, near-misses and collisions dropped by 35 percent. After the second cataract surgery, numbers decreased to 48 percent.
  3. Better quality of life. Cataract removal can improve quality of life as well. Loss of vision can contribute to isolation and depression, but cataract surgery can help people maintain independence and resume the activities they enjoy.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Cataract surgery offers so many benefits for your vision and overall health. Make clear vision a top priority this year by making an appointment with your ophthalmologist.

Have you recently relocated or need to find a new eye doctor? We can help. Click here to use our Find a Physician locator tool.

No Glasses Needed? Monovision After Cataract Surgery

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Do you find yourself squinting to read food labels, menus or your phone? You may have presbyopia, or “aging eye.” As we age, the eye lens loses flexibility, and it becomes difficult to focus on close objects. There are many ways to treat presbyopia. Many people may opt to use a magnifying glass, reading glasses or prescription glasses.

Another option is called monovision or blended vision. This kind of vision can be achieved with contact lenses, LASIK (refractive surgery) or an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

How Monovision or Blended Vision Works

Everyone has a dominant eye. It is usually the eye that you prefer seeing with if you cover one eye. Your eye doctor can correct your dominant eye for distance vision and leave your non-dominant eye slightly nearsighted to use for seeing objects up close.

Even though it is called monovision, you are still using both eyes. Many people find monovision works well for them, and over time, they cannot tell which eye they use for near vision and which they use for distance vision.

Is Monovision Right for You?

Not everyone can adapt to monovision. Your ophthalmologist may recommend trying blended vision using contact lenses first before a surgical procedure like cataract surgery. In cataract surgery, a surgeon will remove the deteriorated, brittle lens and replace it with an artificial, intraocular lens customized to your vision needs. Often, cataract surgery can reduce dependence on glasses. In some cases, when people can adapt to monovision, they may not have to wear glasses.

Are There Any Downsides to Monovision?

Some people may lose some depth perception when one eye focuses on distance and the other eye focuses on close objects. Other people find they still need reading glasses to decipher small print.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you considering cataract surgery, or would you like to reduce your dependence on glasses and corrective lenses? Our board-certified ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are ready to assist you. Find an eye doctor near you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. To maximize your health benefits, make your eye appointments before the end of the year when your deductible resets.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery or Eye Procedure at an Outpatient Surgery Center

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Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures, but it’s important to remember your eye procedure is essential for your vision and health.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

Was your eye surgery delayed because of the pandemic? With the resurgence of COVID-19, many hospitals are delaying elective eye procedures like cataract surgery and glaucoma procedures.

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedures. Instead, it distinguishes between surgeries due to emergencies and those you can schedule in advance.

For example, procedures like knee replacements or non-emergency hernia repairs are considered elective because you can schedule them for a future date. Many eye procedures, like cataract surgery, are also considered elective. Although elective, each of these procedures is essential for good health.

Importance of Prompt Eye Procedures

Low vision can prevent you from living an active lifestyle and doing the things you love. A canceled or delayed eye procedure means you may experience:

  • Challenges with reading or driving.
  • Difficulty doing tasks around your home.
  • Increased risk of falls or fractures.

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Eye Procedures

Although many hospitals have pushed back eye surgeries, you have options. Scheduling your procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

  • Outpatient surgery centers dedicate themselves to specific procedures, not emergency or trauma, so your appointment may be less likely to be affected.
  • Because many ASCs are smaller than other health care facilities, they are easily navigable and usually have convenient parking.
  • Your procedure may be more cost-effective at an ASC.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your procedure before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries performed today, and it may be less costly than you think.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

When is the last time you made an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam? A board-certified ophthalmologist can give you a full assessment of your vision health and advise you on any necessary eye procedures.

Clear vision is the key to maintaining your active lifestyle. Click here to find an eye doctor near you.

Need Cataract Surgery? Consider a Multifocal Lens

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Cataracts are a common vision problem that typically occur in both eyes as we age. Although cataracts cannot spread from one eye to another, it is not unusual for a cataract to first develop in one eye and later appear in the other eye.

How Does a Cataract Form?

In a healthy eye, the lens allows light to pass through and focus an image on the retina. As we age, a cataract forms when the lens, predominately composed of water and protein, becomes cloudy due to proteins clumping together. Once a cataract has developed, images typically appear increasingly cloudy, distorted and blurry.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. The procedure is simple, virtually painless and usually has a rapid recovery time. A skilled surgeon will remove your cloudy lens during cataract surgery and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL) customized for your vision needs. Cataract surgery can often provide people with the best vision they have ever experienced. In fact, many patients comment after surgery that they wish they had chosen cataract surgery sooner.

What Type of IOL is Right for You?

There are many types of IOLs from which to choose:

  • Monofocal Lens: This lens is designed to provide sharp distance vision. Medicare and other insurance plans usually cover it. Glasses may still be necessary for reading, and in some cases, distance vision, especially if you have astigmatism.
  • Astigmatism-Correcting Monofocal Lens: your surgeon may be able to correct your astigmatism as well as your cataracts during one simple procedure. With the advanced technology of astigmatism-correcting monofocal lenses, most people only need glasses for reading after surgery.
  • Multifocal Lens: Imagine not needing to rely on corrective glasses anymore! Multifocal lenses can help you see both near and far, so you may have the luxury of being glasses-free after cataract surgery.

Although most insurance and Medicare only cover the cost of a monofocal lens, there are many factors to consider. For example, selecting a multifocal lens may reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery. When making your decision regarding the type of lens you prefer for your cataract procedure, compare the one-time cost of purchasing the multifocal lens with the cumulative cost of buying contacts or glasses for the rest of your life. You may find that a multifocal lens proves to be the most affordable choice.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you interested in cataract surgery? New research shows many benefits of getting cataract surgery at a younger age, so you may not need to wait. There are many choices that exist that may provide you with the desired vision. Consult with your physician and determine the best lens choice for you. Make an appointment with a board-certified ophthalmologist to discuss your options. Connect to one of our many eye care centers located across the country.

Blindness and Vision Loss Rates May Double in 30 Years

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Blindness and vision impairment affects an estimated 338 million people worldwide. According to a new pre-print study accepted by The Lancet, the number may reach 900 million people by the year 2050.

Vision loss is a global problem. According to recent research led by Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University:

  • 8 million people have a mild vision impairment
  • 1 million people have a major vision impairment
  • 3 million people are blind

Bourne said although blindness among people age 50 and older has reduced by almost 30 percent in the past 30 years, the number of people who are blind has increased by 50 percent because of population growth.

“It is encouraging that age-adjusted prevalence of blindness has reduced over the past three decades, yet due to population growth, progress is not keeping pace with needs,” said Bourne. “We face enormous challenges in avoiding vision impairment as the global population grows and ages” (Medical Xpress).

What Causes Vision Impairment?

Three common causes of vision impairment are cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among people older than 55. In the U.S., cataracts affect about 20.5 million people. Cataract-related vision loss can be reversed through cataract surgery, an incredibly safe and simple procedure.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and is caused by optic nerve damage. Vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible, so it is imperative to have routine glaucoma screenings. Even though there is no cure for glaucoma, there are many effective therapies and treatments.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects about five percent of Americans 65 years of age or older. AMD affects central vision, which is necessary for activities like reading and driving. Early detection of AMD is crucial to slowing vision loss. There are two types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. There is no cure for dry AMD but vitamin supplements can slow the progression. There are several therapies for wet AMD, and again, these don’t cure the disease but they can slow AMD’s progression.

Find a Local Ophthalmologist

The best way to preserve your vision and prevent vision impairment is to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams for the entire family. Eye exams offer more than just an evaluation of your vision. They offer a window into your overall health.

Our board-certified ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are dedicated to your eye health. At a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will make sure your prescription is current and screen you for degenerative eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

If you are not under the care of a board-certified physician, you can access a list of doctors in your area and find an ophthalmologist near you.

A Vegetarian Diet Could Decrease Risk for Cataracts

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According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, eating a vegetarian diet could decrease the likelihood of cataracts, especially in overweight patients.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens. Over time, multiple factors including oxidative stress from UV rays, poor diet and environmental toxins slowly deteriorate the clear lens until it becomes increasingly clouded and blurred. Cataracts are a common vision concern, especially as people age. In the United States, over 20.5 million people have a cataract.

Plant-Based Nutrition Can Fight Cataracts

Researchers examined data from the Tzu Chi Health Study in Taiwan. Some participants were vegetarian and some were not. A vegetarian diet was associated with a 20 percent lower risk of cataracts compared with a non-vegetarian diet. Because plant-based foods contain more antioxidants than animal-based foods, eating a vegetarian diet is more successful at reducing oxidative stress that causes cataracts. The researchers also found many similarities among the vegetarians in the Tzu Chi Health Study. More of the vegetarians tended to be:

  • Female
  • Nondrinkers
  • Nonsmokers
  • Nondiabetic
  • Nonhypertensive
  • More physically active
  • Less educated

The vegetarians also had lower:

  • Body mass index
  • Fasting glucose levels
  • Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

The study concluded, “It is unclear whether the effect of vegetarian diets on cataracts varies among different ethnic populations. This study aimed to investigate the association between a vegetarian diet and cataract risk in Asians through a prospective cohort study in Taiwan” (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).

Should We All Become Vegetarians?

You do not need to become a vegetarian to have a healthy lifestyle and prevent cataracts. However, this study underscores how diet can be a significant component in preserving your vision. Vegetables, especially leafy greens, have high levels of antioxidants, which protect eye cells from oxidative stress that damages the eye lens. Fruits, especially dark berries, and nuts also contain high amounts of protective antioxidants.

Decrease Your Cataract Risk

Adding more whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds into your diet is just one way to enhance your eye health. Here are some specific ways you can decrease your risk for cataracts:

  • Wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays
  • Apply sunscreen when you are outside
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
  • Get plenty of physical exercise

Make an Appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam is essential for optimum eye health. Call today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor. During the exam, your doctor will be able to detect a developing cataract and provide treatment options like cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is among the simplest and most successful eye procedures, and it can restore cataract-related vision loss.

If you are not under the care of a board-certified eye physician, you can access a list of doctors in your area and find an ophthalmologist near you.

Cataract Surgery May Be More Affordable Than You Think

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Pricing cataract surgery can feel like buying a car. There are countless options. You can select a “basic” cataract surgery with a monofocal lens, a “deluxe” procedure with all the bells and whistles of a premium lens, or somewhere in between. Of course, the cost increases according to the number of add-ons and elective options you choose, but it may not be as expensive as you think.

Single Focus IOL (Basic Cataract Surgery)

Most people who need cataract surgery qualify for Medicare or private health insurance which will cover the cost of the removal of the deteriorated lens and the insertion of a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). A monofocal IOL allows clear distance vision, near vision or intermediate vision, but not all three. Most people choose an IOL to correct distance vision, but they will still need to wear glasses to correct near vision and/or astigmatism.

Astigmatism-Correcting, Multifocal or Accommodating IOL

If you would like an advanced IOL that allows you to see clearly at multiple distances or corrects astigmatism, you should expect an out-of-pocket expense. However, you will not be responsible for the entire procedure. For example, Medicare does not cover astigmatism-correcting IOLs because astigmatism can be corrected with glasses. Medicare and private insurance will cover the medically necessary portion (Basic Cataract Surgery), but you will have to pay the difference for the premium lens. You will also be financially responsible for the Refractive Portion (Advanced or Premium) such as screening tests, refractions, presbyopic correction, LASIK, or extended postoperative care.

Let’s Talk Numbers

In 2015, the average, basic cataract surgery in the United States cost about $3,542 per eye. This amount would be covered Medicare or private health insurance. If you choose to have an advanced technology lens that corrects astigmatism or presbyopia, you could expect to pay anywhere from $900 to $5,000 per eye. When considering the years of enjoyment you will receive from a premium lens, you may decide that it is a worthwhile investment (Source: All About Vision).

Two Important Phone Calls

If you are considering cataract surgery, call your eye care professional to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to talk through your options. Then, call your insurance provider and ask:

  • Is cataract surgery covered or medically necessary?
  • Is astigmatism or presbyopia correction covered?
  • Is Refractive or Refraction technology covered? Are screening tests covered?
  • How much is the copay at the surgery center?
  • How much is the copay for the surgeon?
  • How much does insurance cover the Advanced Cataract Surgery portion for the surgery center?
  • How much does insurance cover the Advanced Cataract Surgery portion for the surgeon?
  • How much deductible do I need to meet?
  • Is the cataract surgeon a preferred provider?