National Cataract Awareness Month in Winnipeg is On the Horizon!

Spring is here, and summer is coming! As we tackle seasonal challenges to our eye health--including allergies, dry eye, and UV radiation--now is also a good time to start thinking about National Cataract Awareness Month, which is this coming June! At Westwood Optical Family Eye Care, our Winnipeg optometrist team is doing our part to spread the knowledge about this common eye condition, and help all our patients in the Winnipeg area maintain optimal eye health at every stage of life. 

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and is estimated to affect at least 24 million Americans over the age of 40. They are caused by a structural change in the proteins within your lens (the clear structure directly behind your pupil), leading to cloudy, opaque-looking clumps. 

You're more at risk for developing cataracts if you: 

• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Have had excessive exposure to sunlight
• Are obese or overweight
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a history of eye surgery or injury
• Are over the age of 40 

How Can I Tell If I Have Cataracts?

The chief symptoms of a cataract is blurry vision, a distortion of color, increased sensitivity to glare and bright lights, seeing a "halo" around lights, poor night vision, and in advanced stages, blindness. If a cataract has advanced sufficiently, it may even be visible--that is, your eye may begin to look cloudy. 

How Can My Winnipeg Eye Doctor Help Me If I Have Cataracts?

A Winnipeg eye doctor can help you manage your cataracts through the implementation of low vision strategies, including corrective eyewear. Cataracts can be removed surgically by an ophthalmologist and replaced with an artificial lens; this is typically a simple, quick, and successful procedure. In this case, our optometry staff can help you in the pre- and post-surgical stages to ensure your eyes remain as healthy as possible. 

How Can I Help Raise Awareness about Cataracts?

• If you have cataracts, talk to your loved ones about your condition. Let them know about your experience and how your eye doctor in Winnipeg has helped you.
• Check out helpful websites like visionaware.org and the American Foundation for the Blind to learn more about this disease and connect with other people who are also living with this diagnosis.
• Encourage all your loved ones to schedule an annual eye exam with our Winnipeg eye doctor team--even if they have perfect vision! Early detection is key for managing cataracts and other eye health conditions. 

Have You or A Loved One Been Diagnosed With Cataracts? Call Our Winnipeg Eye Doctor Team Today

If you've been looking for an optometrist in Winnipeg to help you manage your cataracts, then call Westwood Optical Family Eye Care now. Our Winnipeg eye doctor team can give you the straightforward advice, advanced diagnostic technology, and affordable and effective treatment to help you maximize your vision at any stage of the disease process. To schedule an appointment or to learn about our other comprehensive eye care services good for the whole family, call us today!