August is Cataract Awareness Month

Right at Home, an international leader providing in-home companionship, personal care assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently, is continually monitoring issues that impact our clients and their families from an emotional, physical and financial perspective.

August is Cataract Awareness Month. EyeCareAmerica defines cataracts thusly: "A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, the part of the eye that focuses light and produces clear images. Inside of the eye, the lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they become trapped within the capsule. Over time, more cells die and accumulate, causing the lens to cloud and making images look blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging. But eye injures, certain medications and diseases such as a diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause cataracts."

Prevent Blindness America observes that "cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are close to 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older with cataract. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have cataract."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs points out some of the leading causes of cataract in Americans:

• Injuries or inflammatory disorders involving the eye
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Long term exposure to sunlight
• Poor nutrition
• Personal habits such as smoking
• Certain prescription medications such as corticosteroids
• Some hereditary disorders

The Department of Veterans Affairs further points out: "If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every 2 years. Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent exams if you are at increased risk for ocular disorders such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, have systemic conditions such as diabetes or are taking certain medications. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your vision."

The AARP offers some insight here into the value of protecting your eyes when in the sun; overexposure to UV light is a leading cause of cataract.

Right at Home wants you to protect your vision over the long term! Get your eyes examined regularly, protect your eyes in the sun and see a doctor immediately if you experience any problems with your vision.

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client's home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchises. Right at Home's global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the U.K.. For more information on Right at Home High Point, contact Greg Brewer or visit www.rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home's free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to www.caringnews.com.