I Can See Clearly Now

I can see clearly now that the fog is gone. This morning I had my second cataract removed. I am very please already. Believe it or not, I can actually see the computer and am writing this without my glasses. WHOOOO HOOOO!!!!! Everything is so bright and clear now! I had no idea my eyes were as bad as they were. But NOT ANYMORE!!!!!

All About Cataracts

In healthy eyes, light is able to pass through the lens back to the retina, allowing us to see detail. A cataract creates a cloud on that normally transparent lens, blurring vision and eventually leading to blindness.

Most cataracts are related to aging, and are very common in older people. Essentially, the lens of the eye accumulates proteins and sugars throughout one’s life and, ultimately, this accumulation leads to the clouding of the lens and vision trouble.

Someone with cataracts might not have any symptoms at first, when cataracts are mild. But as cataracts grow, they can cause changes in vision. For example, a person with cataracts may notice that:

• Vision is cloudy or blurry
• Colors look faded
• Poor vision at night
• Lamps, sunlight, or headlights seem too bright
• A halo around lights
• Seeing double (this sometimes goes away as the cataract gets bigger)
• The need to change the prescription for your glasses often

I suffered from all of these symptoms.

Approximately 65.2 million people suffer from cataracts world wide, and that can cause moderate to severe vision loss in over 80% of the cases. As populations age and average life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, the number of people with cataracts will continue to grow.

Cataracts are relatively simple to treat and remove surgically, but access to eye care and the appropriate resources is extremely limited in underserved communities. Unfortunately, 99% of people with cataracts live in these underserved areas.

You may be at risk for cataracts if you:

• Have certain health problems, like diabetes
• Smoke
• Drink too much alcohol
• Have a family history of cataracts
• Have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body
• Have spent a lot of time in the sun – This is the only factor that may have caused mine. I LOVE being out in the sun, and have always been a “sun worshipper”.
• Take steroids (medicines used to treat a variety of health problems, like arthritis and rashes)

There is no way to completely prevent cataracts, however, there are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of cataracts, such as:

• Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block the sun
• Avoid or quit smoking
• Eat healthy, and include dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens in your diet
• Get a dilated eye exam once every two years

I have two post-op follow-ups, one tomorrow and one next week, but I am expecting nothing but positive results from the doctors. At one of my last post-ops, I learned about pressures in both eyes, and they were afraid of them being the starting phases of glaucoma. But they put me on steroid drops, and after my last post-op exam, those pressures had dropped significantly because of the drops. So yes, it is still something we need to be aware of from this point on, but at the moment, I should be in the all clear. It’s so nice to be able to see again! Just thought you would all appreciate my latest update. 🙂

Have a great week this Holy week, whether you celebrate Easter, Passover or Ramadan. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.