As we age, our vision changes. Cataracts are one such common change.

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. By age 80, most people either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.

Around age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clumping makes a cloudy area on your lens that gets worse over time.

At first, you may not have any symptoms. But eventually your vision becomes blurry and colors seem faded. You may also have trouble seeing at night.

Luckily, cataracts can be corrected with surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the U.S. Your doctor may recommend surgery if your cataracts start getting in the way of everyday activities like reading, driving, or watching TV.

During cataract surgery, the doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens. Surgery is very safe. Nine out of 10 people who get it can see better afterwards. But most people don’t need to rush into surgery.

Talk with your health care provider if you’re having vision problems.

There are things you can do to delay cataracts. Wear sunglasses and a hat to block the sun. Quit smoking. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables — especially dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale. And if you’re age 60 or older, get a dilated eye exam at least once every two years.

Source: NIH News in Health @ health.nih.gov

The Clinton County Health District is now providing immunizations by appointment only. If you or your child need immunized please call 937-382-3829 to make an appointment.

Pam Daniel is Health Educator with the Clinton County Health District.