The Connections Bernard's Ridge Edition November 2021 - January 2022

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 46 Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss. But, they can be treat- ed successfully and in most cases corrected with a surgical procedure,” said Lawrence Najarian, a board-cer- tified M.D. ophthalmologist with a sub-specialty in uveitis, and Founder and Medical Director of Bedminster Eye and Laser Center. While most cataracts are caused by normal changes in your eyes as you get older, individuals may also develop cataracts as a result of other conditions, such as trauma, radia- tion, or previous eye surgery. Babies may be born with them. Certain cataracts may be brought about by health conditions such as diabetes, or long-term use of steroid medica- tions. Also, lifestyle choices such as smoking, consuming excessive alco- hol, or prolonged exposure to the sun without proper eye protection also contribute. Age-related cataracts are com- mon and a natural part of aging. Most develop gradually. They occur when the normally clear lens in your eye becomes cloudy from natural proteins that build up over time. Typically, the formation of cataracts begins to show up at age 55. Others can develop more quickly. By getting an annual eye exam to check your overall eye health, your eye physician can assess your risk of getting cataracts, diagnose a cata- ract, and monitor the progression. At first, cataracts might not cause any problems, but over time, they may. If symptoms are mild, you might just need a new prescription for glasses or contacts, a magnifying glass, or more lighting. When these are no longer helpful, surgery may be rec- ommended. Common symptoms of a cata- ract include cloudy or blurry vision, poor night vision, and double vision. Colors may also appear faded and bright lights such as headlights and sunlight can create glares or a halo effect. While cataracts are a rite of pas- sage for getting older, there are sev- eral things you can do to prevent early-onset or slow down the pro- gression. • Choose a healthy lifestyle. Take a look at your diet and make sure you are eating foods rich in anti- oxidants. If you smoke, stop! • Manage other health prob- lems such as diabetes. Get rou- tine eye check-ups. Wear prop- er eye protection to avoid eye injury. • Prevent sun damage to your eyes. Wear sunglasses year- round that block UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recom- mends wearing sunglasses (or tran- sition lenses) that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays that cause cataracts and oth- er eye diseases — every day of the year, not just in the summer. “I encourage everyone to learn about cataracts and what you can do to minimize your risk,” Dr. Najarian added. “If you are experiencing any- thing of concern, be sure to talk with your eye doctor.” AAO Recommends Wearing Sunglasses All-Year-Round And Offers These Tips: • Do not settle for less than 100% UV protection! Buy sun- glasses labeled 100% UV protec- tion from UVA and UVB radiation or 100% UV400 protection. • Darker and tinted lenses do not always mean more UV protec- tion. Do not be fooled that the darker the lens, the safer they are for your eyes. Only sunglasses labeled with 100% UV protection provide the safety you need. Ask! • Consider polarized lenses with UV blocking to reduce glare, improve contrast and color per- ception making driving, water sports, and winter sports such as skiing, ice skating, and snow- boarding more enjoyable. • Consider oversized or wrap- around glasses to help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side. • Do not forget the kids as they are just as susceptible to the harmful sun rays. Start early! Certain cataracts may be brought about by health conditions such as diabetes, or long- term use of steroid medications. Also, lifestyle choices such as smoking, consuming excessive alcohol, or prolonged exposure to the sun without proper eye protection also contribute. By getting an annual eye exam to check your overall eye health, your eye physician can assess your risk of getting cataracts, diagnose a cataract, and monitor the progression. At first, cataracts might not cause any problems, but over time, they may. CATARACTS CAUSES • SYMPTOMS • TREATMENT REDUCE RISK • SLOW PROGRESSION PROTECTING YOUR EYES FROM SUN YEAR-ROUND MAKES A DIFFERENCE Call our office for a comprehensive eye exam with one of our medical eye doctors. Visit The Optical Shoppe for a discussion with our opticians about options for the best UV protection. We are following CDC Covid-19 guidelines. Main 908.781.2020 • The Optical Shoppe 908.719.2020 Bedminster Eye and Laser Center, P.A. See The Difference The Optical Shoppe at Bedminster Eye Monday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (908) 719-2020 400 Main St. Bedminster, NJ 07921 Email: optical.bedminstereye@comcast.net www.bedminstereye.net Tom Ford • Maui Jim • Ray-Ban • ProDesign • KLiiK Carolina Herrera • STATE • WOOW • Jimmy Choo • Silhouette Coming Soon! Calvin Klein • Ferragamo SPECIAL 25% OFF Prescription Sunglasses (Excludes Maui Jim) Cannot be combined with other offers or insurance. Expires 1/31/22 Don't forget to use your flexible spending money before the year is over. We now accept VSP and most EyeMed Plans