Without question, this is one of the most frequently asked questions in any eye care office, including my own. Not surprisingly, most peoples' perception of a cataract is vastly different from it's definition. To be clear, cataracts are not a "growth" that develops on the front of the eye, nor are they a disease, per se.
Quite simply, cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, a result of metabolic changes within the lens. While most people equate cataracts with age (indeed most people with cataracts are above the age of 55), they can actually develop at any age and in a variety of forms. In fact, many people are the proud owners of "congenital" cataracts, which most often present as a very small, central opacity in the lens of the eye as a result of incomplete development of the eye's lens. Certain disease processes, most notably diabetes, can speed the development of certain types of cataracts, as can trauma and prolonged exposure to moderate to high doses of certain medications (i.e corticosteroids). Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation and cigarette smoking are risk factors for the development of cataracts.
Cataracts typically develop over the course of many months or years, and in some cases remain relatively stagnant. Luckily, with great advances in surgical technology, cataracts can be easily removed and replaced with synthetic lenses with minimal complications, restoring vision to it's optimal level.
A simple, comprehensive eye exam by a licensed eye care professional will quickly determine the presence of cataracts, so be sure to have your eyes examined regularly before severe vision problems develop.
Yours in eye health,
Kevin L. Crosier, O.D.
www.crosiereyeassociates.vpweb.com
kevinlcrosier@msn.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a real condition that optometrists have been familiar with for many years, yet most folks don't know what it is or that they may be it's unsuspecting victim. I personally see several patients a week who exhibit at least some of the signs and symptoms of this little known anomaly.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) defines computer vision syndrome as "the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use." While the full study of CVS is beyond the scope of this blog, suffice it to say that the age of computers, which is here to stay, has brought about a whole new set of problems, many of them vision related. As you can imagine, computers force us to stare at a screen for long periods of time, causing postural problems in addition to myriad vision issues including:
1) Dry eyes due to reduced blinking.
2) Headaches and focusing problems due to eye fatigue/ breakdown of our internal focusing system.
3) Eyestrain due to screen glare and/or poor character resolution. LCD screens are superior to others because they reduce flicker, which can tire the eyes.
Healthy computer use includes maintaining a 20- 26 inch (approximately arms length) distance between your eyes and your computer screen, a postural angle at the hips of 90 degrees, a straight back, and your feet flat on the floor. Keeping a slightly downward line of sight toward the screen tends to relieve neck strain, and taking frequent 10-20 minute breaks from the computer helps to keep the eyes' focusing system flexible. Lastly, remember to blink frequently, use artificial tears as needed (NOT VISINE), and visit your family optometrist to see if a good pair of computer glasses may be of benefit.
Have a great weekend!
Yours in Eye Health,
Kevin Crosier, OD
http://www.crosiereyeassociates.vpweb.com/
(303) 457-6805
The American Optometric Association (AOA) defines computer vision syndrome as "the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use." While the full study of CVS is beyond the scope of this blog, suffice it to say that the age of computers, which is here to stay, has brought about a whole new set of problems, many of them vision related. As you can imagine, computers force us to stare at a screen for long periods of time, causing postural problems in addition to myriad vision issues including:
1) Dry eyes due to reduced blinking.
2) Headaches and focusing problems due to eye fatigue/ breakdown of our internal focusing system.
3) Eyestrain due to screen glare and/or poor character resolution. LCD screens are superior to others because they reduce flicker, which can tire the eyes.
Healthy computer use includes maintaining a 20- 26 inch (approximately arms length) distance between your eyes and your computer screen, a postural angle at the hips of 90 degrees, a straight back, and your feet flat on the floor. Keeping a slightly downward line of sight toward the screen tends to relieve neck strain, and taking frequent 10-20 minute breaks from the computer helps to keep the eyes' focusing system flexible. Lastly, remember to blink frequently, use artificial tears as needed (NOT VISINE), and visit your family optometrist to see if a good pair of computer glasses may be of benefit.
Have a great weekend!
Yours in Eye Health,
Kevin Crosier, OD
http://www.crosiereyeassociates.vpweb.com/
(303) 457-6805
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