Cataracts Are the Most Common Age-Related Eye Condition

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light in order to focus on the page. 

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision make night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.  

If surgery is recommended, remember every year more than 2 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.  

MorningStar of Billings, a beautiful senior community located on the west end of town, provides independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please contact us for more information about our independent living facilities. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.