Eye On The Target: How Optometrists Help Your Eye Health
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Eye On The Target: How Optometrists Help Your Eye Health

Welcome. My name is Ariana and I work as a medical assistant at an army base. My main job is to make sure that there are no hidden health risks for our seemingly fit army personnel. One of the biggest issues I uncover is eyesight problems. I have discovered that a lot of people think that there is no need to visit an optometrist unless their eyes are sore or vision is blurry. This myth can be found in the army too. In the course of my work, I have learnt that many eye problems have no symptoms for a long time. I am always encouraging family and friends to go for annual eye checks. I have become so passionate about this issue that I started this blog to explain how optometrists can help you keep the best vision possible. Please scan through my entries. Enjoy.

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Eye On The Target: How Optometrists Help Your Eye Health

Understanding The Symptoms And Treatment Approach For Cataracts

Akseli Takala

A cataract is a serious eye condition that can cause complete blindness when not treated. It is characterised by the clouding over of the lens, which occurs when protein builds up and begins to clump together in the lens. This clouding of the lens means that light can't reach the retina at the back of your eye, which is how images are processed. You can have a cataract in one eye or in both eyes, and the clouding can develop slowly or progress quickly. There are a few factors that are thought to increase your chance of developing a cataract, and these include environmental pollution, aging and undergoing radiotherapy.

Symptoms Of A Cataract Developing

You can easily spot a clouded lens, but there are symptoms to be aware of before your lens becomes noticeably cloudy. Early symptoms of a cataract developing include colours appearing duller, blurred vision, light sensitivity and discomfort when driving at night. You may also notice you struggle to read without using a brighter light or bringing your book closer to your eyes.

Treating A Cataract

It can be quite distressing to develop a cataract, but the good news is that surgery can restore your vision. Some people prefer to wait on surgery to see how quickly their cataract develops, particularly when their vision is only slightly affected. Others opt for surgery right away, as eventually surgery will be required to restore your vision. Cataract surgery is carried out as a day-case procedure and is considered a routine eye surgery.

The procedure involves having your eye numbed with a local anaesthetic before the clouded lens is broken down using ultrasound waves. A small precision suction tool is used to remove the lens pieces and an artificial lens is positioned in its place. If you don't normally wear glasses or contact lenses, the artificial lens will be a basic lens made of clear plastic. However, those who normally wear glasses or contacts can have a lens made that fits the requirements of their eyesight prescription. This means if you had cataracts in both eyes there will be no need to wear glasses or contact lenses after your cataract surgery.

After your surgery, you will be able to go home, but you may need to rest for a couple of days to allow your eyes to recover and become properly focussed again after the procedure. You'll have a follow-up appointment to ensure all is well with your eye health, but you should contact the clinic where you had your surgery if you experience any eye pain, inflammation or discharge during your recovery.

If you're considering cataract surgery, discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before scheduling your procedure. They can explain each step in detail and ensure you are fully informed about potential complications, such as infection, before you have surgery. For more information on cataract surgery, contact a professional near you


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