Watch Out for Cataracts! <span style="font-size:10px;">(August 2008)</span>

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weber@franco.com

Watch Out for Cataracts! (August 2008)

Michigan Optometric Association wants to inform Michigan residents of the myths and facts of the most common cause of blindness

LANSING, Mich., (Aug. 5, 2008) – In observance of National Cataract Prevention Month, the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) wants to bring awareness and debunk myths about this common (but treatable) eye condition affecting more than 700,000 of Michigan residents.

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision by blocking or changing the passage of light into the eye.

“When vision is clear, the lens of the eye focuses light on the back of the eye, or the retina, which transmits the image through the optic nerve to the brain,” said J. Gregory Ford, O.D., of the MOA Board of Directors. “When the lens is clouded by a cataract, light scatters so the lens can no longer focus it properly, causing vision problems. An optometrist can conduct a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the disease and give recommendations for treatment based on the severity of the cataract.”

Some myths about cataracts:

Myth: Cataracts are caused by aging.
Fact: Most cataracts develop in people over the age of 55, but they can occur at any age – including infancy. It can be caused by a number of factors including:

Intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays
Eye injuries and diseases such as diabetes or glaucoma
Severe long-term nearsightedness
Inflammation in the eye
Hereditary influences
Long-term steroid use
Tobacco, drug and alcohol use
Nutrient deficiencies
Even before birth – e.g. German measles or rubella in the mother

Myth: A Cataract is a painful disease.
Fact: Cataracts can form without pain or discomfort. However, there are several key factors that might signal the formation of a cataract:

Blurred or hazy vision
The appearance of spots in front of the eyes
Colors in vision seem faded or muted
Increase sensitivity to glare or the feeling of having a film over the eyes
Difficulty reading
Double vision or multiple images
A temporary improvement in near vision.

Myth: Taking Vitamin E or Vitamin C can prevent cataracts.
Fact: Although the daily intake of these vitamins is recommended for overall health, there has been no link between vitamin intake and cataract prevention.
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Watch out for Cataracts!
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Myth: Cataracts can be treated with eye drops.
Fact: Cataracts cannot be treated with medicine. Eye drops and other drugs will not dissolve a cataract or slow its progress.

Myth: Surgery is the best treatment for cataracts.
Fact: Cataract surgery is an elective procedure. An optometrist can determine if you are a good candidate. An optometrist may also recommend controlling the effects of cataracts by changing eyewear prescriptions, increasing the amount of light used when reading or using of anti-glare coating on clear lenses for night driving.

Remember: Annual visits to an optometrist are the best way to maintain the best eye and vision health.

To locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor, please visit www.themoa.org and click on the Vision Care tab.

[Editor’s note: Dr. Ford is available for interviews.
Please contact Rita Sitto at (313) 567-5008.]

[Please note that the latest version of the AP Stylebook indicates optometrists should be referenced with the title of Dr.]

About the Michigan Optometric Association
The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.

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