August 13, 2024

Why Lowering the Risk of Cataracts is So Vital – Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance

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Risk of Cataracts

Home ¯ Eye Care Services ¯ Eye Disease Diagnosis and Management ¯ Cataract Surgery Co-Management ¯ Why Lowering the Risk of Cataracts Is of Critical Importance

Why Lowering the Risk of Cataracts Is of Critical Importance

The eye?s crystalline lens allows the eye to shift focus to always ensure whatever object you are looking at is sharp and clear. As we age, or because of certain medical conditions, protein buildup can turn the clear lens opaque, resulting in a cataract. Cataracts prevent light from directly reaching the retina, causing the light passing through the cataract to become scattered. This results in a cloudy or blurry image.

With cataracts, reading becomes a struggle and it becomes harder to identify people?s faces. We see objects in duplicate or surrounded by halos. Strong light overwhelms us. Once-vivid colors fade. We struggle to see clearly at night and must update eyeglass prescriptions more often.

While cataracts can?t be prevented, we can lower the risk by:

  • Eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants
  • Not smoking or drinking alcohol in excess
  • Wearing sunglasses and hats to shield against ultraviolet rays
  • Controlling chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure
  • Regularly undergoing eye examinations

Getting a Handle on Cataracts

When it comes to cataracts, our vision is at stake. According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the second-leading cause of visual impairment. On this continent, the National Institutes of Health?s National Eye Institute estimates that 50 million Americans will have cataracts by 2050, and the National Coalition for Vision Health expects 5 million Canadians to develop them by 2031.

Regular eye exams are vital to diagnose and treat cataracts. Updating prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses will help correct your vision in the short term, but they do not eliminate cataracts or their symptoms.

Your eye doctor will monitor the progression of your cataracts. If vision loss inhibits your abilities, or enjoyment of regular activities, you will most likely need cataract surgery.

During cataract surgery, the opaque lens is removed from the affected eye (or eyes) and replaced by a clear, artificial lens. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, has a very high success rate, and leads to improved vision in more than 95% of patients.

Don?t ignore cataracts. As cataracts worsen, vision worsens, making it more challenging to drive safely, read, clearly focus on a computer screen, see clearly in the distance, and live life fully. Untreated, cataracts can lead to legal blindness and eventually total blindness.

Clearly seeing loved ones, enjoying your favorite activities, and regaining your high quality of life is a far more pleasant outcome.

Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance monitors cataract patients and will advise you on how to lower your risk of developing them. When the time comes for surgery, we will patiently discuss your surgical options.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

References:

 

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
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Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
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Rating
5.0
Out of 60 Reviews

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.