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DESCRIPTION
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that can lead to vision problems.
When the lens of the eye thickens, becoming clouded or opaque, it becomes unable to focus or admit light properly. This eye condition is referred to as a cataract. Some causes of cataracts include aging, diabetes, heavy metal poisoning, exposure to radiation, injury to the eye, and the use of certain drugs, such as steroids.
The main symptom of a developing cataract is a gradual, painless loss of vision. Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the world. Occasionally, a cataract may swell and cause secondary glaucoma.
The most common form of cataract is senile cataract, which affect people over 65 years of age. This type of cataract is often caused by free radical damage. Exposure to ultraviolet rays and low-level radiation from x-rays leads to the formation of reactive chemical fragments in the eye lens. These free radicals attack the structural proteins, enzymes, and cell membranes of the lens. The free radicals in our food, water, and environment are probably a major factor in the increasing number of cataracts in our population.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & NUTRITION
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years of age, use 1/2 the recommended dosage, and for a child under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Copper
And
Manganese3 mg daily.
10 mg daily. Take separately from calcium.These minerals are important for proper healing and for retarding the growth of cataracts.
Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Manganese Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,Grape Seed Extract As directed on label. A powerful antioxidant.
Grape Seed (Grapeseed) (Vitus vinifera), 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 16 fl. oz.L-Glutathione As directed on label. A potent antioxidant that aids in maintaining a healthy lens and protects against toxins. Has been shown to slow the progression of cataracts.
L-Glutathione, 250 mg, 60 CapsL-Lysine As directed on label, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Important in collagen formation, which is necessary for lens repair. Also neutralizes viruses implicated in lens damage. Caution: Do not take lysine for longer than 6 months at a time.
L-Lysine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 CapsPantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5) 500 mg daily. An anti-stress vitamin.
Pantothenic Acid, 100% Natural Vitamin B-5, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 CapsSelenium 400 mcg daily. Do not exceed a total daily intake of 800 mcg daily from all sources, including diet. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 40 mcg daily. An important free radical destroyer that works synergistically with vitamin E. Caution: Do not take supplemental selenium if you are pregnant or have heart, kidney, or liver disease.
Selenium Supplement, Yeast Free, NOW Foods, 200 mcg, 180 Caps,
Selenium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Ionic Selenium, Trace Minerals, 300 mcg, 2 fl. oz.,
Selenium, 100% Natural, Nature's way, 200 mcg, 100 CapsVitamin A 25,000-50,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Vital for normal visual function.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 SoftgelsNatural Beta-Carotene
Or
Carotenoid Complex (Betatene)
With Lutein & ZeaxanthinAs directed on label. Precursors of vitamin A. Needed for all eye disorders.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 Softgels,
Lutein Supplement, Nature's Way, 20 mg, 60 SoftGels,
Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & LycopeneVitamin B Complex As directed on label. B vitamins work best when taken together.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 CapsVitamin B-1 (Thiamine) 50 mg daily. Important for intracellular eye metabolism.
Vitamin B-1 / Thiamine HCl (Hydrochloric Acid), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 CapsAnd
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)50 mg daily. Deficiency has been linked to cataracts.
Vitamin B-2 / Riboflavin, 100% Natural, 100 mg, 100 CapsVitamin C With Bioflavonoids 3,000 mg 4 times daily. A necessary free radical destroyer that also lowers intraocular pressure.
Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 TabsVitamin E 200-400 IU An important free radical destroyer. Has been shown to arrest and reverse cataract formation in some cases. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form, if available.
Ester E Natural Vitamin E, California Natural, 400 IU, 60 Softgels,
Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E-1000, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
Zinc 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Protects against light-induced damage. Use zinc gluconate lozenges on OptiZinc for best absorption.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges,
Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges,
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
HERBS
Bilberry extract ,taken orally, supplies bioflavonoids that aid in removing toxic chemicals from the retina of the eye.
Ginkgo Biloba improves microcapillary circulation.
CATARACTS SUPPLEMENTS
Information and supplements to help with Cataracts.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Nature's Ultimate Antioxidant, By Allan Sosin, M.D. & Beth Ley, Ph.D.
This book shows how to fight back against aging and degenerative diseases with nature's powerful antioxidant.Alpha Lipoic Acid, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 60 Caps
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a versatile water and fat soluble metabolic antioxidant. Another benefit is that it also acts as a potent free radical quencher and aids other vitamins in their antioxidant activities.Bilberry Extract Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Helpful with many different diseases of the eyes including vascular retinal disturbances, cataracts, diabetic-induced glaucoma, myopia, and all forms of eye strain.Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Calcium is a pure liquid Calcium supplement. Calcium is one of the most essential of the major biochemical elements needed in human nutrition. It is needed in every organ of the body, including the brain. Calcium is called the "knitter" because it promotes healing or knitting everywhere in the body. It is valuable for tone, power, strength, longevity, vitality, and endurance, healing of wounds, counter-acting acids, and helping regulate metabolism.Cataract Care Eye Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
Relieves symptoms of diagnosed cataract and aging eyes.Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Copper is a pure liquid Copper supplement. Copper influences protein metabolism and general healing, improves vitamin c oxidation and is integral in the formation of RNA.Eyebright Eye Supplement, Nature's Way, 455 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Eyebright eye supplement is a supportive blend of beneficial herbs to maintain eye health.EyeFactor Haö For Healthy Vision with HA, 120 Count, Hyalogic
Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye.Eye Formula (Internal) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Use for eye disorders such as pink eye, conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and weak and tired eyes.Eye Sight Formula, TCM Formula, Jiju Dihuang, 100% Natural, 60 Caps
The Eye Site chinese herb formula is made of extracts from wolfberry, chrysanthemum flower, prepared rehmannia root, dogwood fruit, moutan bark root, common yam, poria and alisma, this time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine for its immune supporting, and other properties to nourish the liver and kidney and to maintain healthy eyesight.Eye Support Formula With Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Dr. Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.GinkGold Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Nature's Way, Vegetarian, Standardized, 60 mg, 150 Tabs
Backed by over 35 years of extensive research, including over 400 published scientific and clinical studies, Nature's Way Ginkgold ginkgo biloba extract has been proven to support healthy circulation to the brain as well as the extremities.Grape Seed Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 30 Caps
Nature's Way Standardized Grape Seed Extract are technically and scientifically advanced herbal product.Kombucha 2000, Concentrated Kombucha Capsule, 30 Caps
Concentrated Kombucha Capsules are new to the market, but Kombucha 2000 is one of the very first successful kombucha tea producers in the United States.Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Original Flavor, Ready To Drink, 12 fl. oz, Case of 24
People from all over the world claim drinking Kombucha Tea provides relief from many physical ailments. Kombucha Tea offers many people the physical resistance they need to maintain and restore health.Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Original Flavor, Ready To Drink, 25.4 fl. oz., Case of 12
People from all over the world claim drinking Kombucha Tea provides relief from many physical ailments. Kombucha Tea offers many people the physical resistance they need to maintain and restore health.Kombucha Tea Extract, Certified 100% Organic, Case of 12, 1 fl. oz Tincture
People from all over the world claim drinking Kombucha Tea provides relief from many physical ailments.Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Original Flavor, Ready To Drink, 64 fl. oz., Case of 6
Kombucha's benefits to the physical body vary widely. It is said to enhance the immune system. By detoxifing the body, kombucha makes it unlikely for disease causing bacteria and viruses to find a suitable growth environment. This results in a healthier physical body!Nature's Way GinkGold Eyes Plus 20 mg of Lutein, Vegetarian, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Ginkgold eye supplement supports visual function and is the only Ginkgo extract shown to stimulate activity in all areas of the brain.Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 60 SoftGels
A rare source of vitamin E, Sea Buckthorn Oil also provides other vitamins including Vitamins A, C, D, K, etc, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, serotonin and 28 trace elements: iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine, etc.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula w/ Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 SoftGels
Nature's Way vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-12 Complex Liquid, NOW Foods, 2 fl. oz.
Vitamin B-12 Helps to maintain a healthy nervous system, and helps in the prevention of pernicious anemia. Folic Acid should be taken by all females of child bearing age to help prevent neuro-tube birth defects. Folic acid is also linked to heart health.Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Vitamin E, Natural D-Alpha-Tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 SoftGels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.Wolfberry Tincture, Goji Juice Concentrate (Lycium Barbarum), 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Wolfberry (Goji) has healing benefits of nourishing and strengthening the eyes, liver, kidneys and nourishing the blood.Zinc Lozenges With Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.
HerbalRemedies: Cataract Information
HerbalRemedies: Cataract supplements & Products
RECOMMENDATIONS
Increase your consumption of green leafy vegetables - especially collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens - legumes, and yellow vegetables. Also, flavonoid-rich berries - such as blueberries, blackberries, and cherries - and foods rich in vitamins E and C, such as raw fruits and vegetables.
Drink quality water, preferably steam-distilled. This is absolutely necessary in cataract prevention. Avoid fluoridated and chlorinated water. Even water from deeply driven wells may not be safe, since many aquifers (underground water sources), especially those located near or under farmland, are contaminated with toxic residue from farm runoff.
Avoid dairy products, saturated fats, and any fats or oils that have been subjected to heat, whether by cooking or processing. These foods promote formation of free radicals, which can damage the lens. Use cold-processed vegetable oils only.
Avoid direct sunlight. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses (polarized) that block ultraviolet rays. Make sure the sunglasses are large enough to adequately protect your eyes.
If you have cataracts, avoid antihistamines.
CONSIDERATIONS
Several studies have found that people who eat foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens) are much less likely to develop age-related cataracts than those who do not include these foods in their diets. These foods also are effective in reducing the risk of macular degeneration. Researchers believe lutein and zeaxanthin act as antioxidants, protecting the cells in the eyes from free radical damage.
Taking vitamin C supplements for at least a decade and eating a diet rich in antioxidants can lower risk of cataracts, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School.
In a study reported by the British Medical Journal, consumption of carotene and vitamin A was inversely related to the occurrence of cataracts. But only spinach - not carrots - appeared to protect against cataracts. Researchers theorize that a carotenoid other than beta-carotene is what exerts a protective effect.
A study published by the Journal of Pineal Research showed that melatonin was very effective in preventing laboratory-induced cataracts in rats. A control group of rats no given melatonin developed cataracts in 89 percent of the cases, whereas only 7 percent of the rats that had received melatonin developed cataracts. It is known that melatonin production slows with age, and most cataract cases develop in people who are 60 or older. Melatonin is known to be a powerful antioxidant, with the ability to permeate every level of the cell. Its effectiveness against cataract formation in humans needs to be further studied.
A number of heavy metals increase in concentration in the lenses of both aging people and people with cataracts. Cadmium, for instance, is found at levels two or three times higher than normal in lenses with cataracts. Concentrations of other metals, such as cobalt, nickel, iridium, and bromine also are elevated.
An article in Science magazine reported that the single greatest cause of cataracts is the body's inability to cope with food sugars. Lactose (milk sugar) was the worst offender; followed by refined white sugar. Many eye specialists note that most people with cataracts eat diets that include substantial amounts of dairy products and refined white sugar. Cataracts can also develop if the diet is inadequate and prolonged stress is endured.
People who are deficient in the enzyme that converts galactose into glucose (ordinary blood sugar) develop cataracts much sooner than the rest of the population.
Smoking is a risk factor for cataracts, probably because the free radicals it generates increase the oxidant stress on the body. A study of cigarette smoking and the risk of cataracts reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a significant association between smoking and the incidence of cataracts.
The conventional treatment for cataracts is surgery. In cataract surgery, the eye's own dysfunctional lens is removed, and usually is replaced with a prosthetic lens implant. The lens may be removed whole, or a surgical procedure called phacoemulsification (often, called the "phaco" technique) may be used. In this operation, the surgeon makes one minuscule incision, inserts the tip of a vibrating instrument into the cataract, and beats it until it turns liquid. The liquid is then sucked out and a new lens is implanted. With this type of surgery, the incision is only 1/10th of an inch long, compared to conventional 1/3 inch or 1/2 inch incisions.
Another method used is extracapsular surgery, in which a slightly longer incision is made on the side of the cornea. The surgeon then removes the hard center of the lens, and the remainder of the lens is removed by suction.
According to the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, about 1.5 million Americans had cataract surgery in 1990, up from only 250,000 in 1980. Cataract surgery is among the most frequently performed operations in the United States. Yet a 1991 survey concluded that half of the people who had cataract surgery were dissatisfied with the results. In some people, the capsules holding the implants become cloudy, diminishing vision. An ophthalmologist can correct this problem by using a laser to make a tiny hole in the capsule, clearing the passage to the retina. In 1991, this surgery was performed on more than 640,000 Medicare recipients, according to researchers at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine. However, the Wall Street Journal has reported that people with cataracts who undergo this procedure are nearly four times more likely than others to suffer a detached retina or other difficulties, even vision loss. Surgery should be resorted to only when absolutely necessary - when your natural lens becomes so opaque that you cannot read or drive.
Living With Cataracts
Tips for Improving Vision When You Have Cataracts
Some of these tips might help you adapt to mild vision problems:
- Reposition room lights and use window shades to avoid glare (on TV screens, computer screens).
- Use table or floor lamps for close reading and other fine work, moving them closer to work or reading areas.
- Use more lighting or higher-watt bulbs for steps and hallways.
- Keep your eyeglass lens prescription current. Replace your prescription before considering cataract surgery.
Low-vision Accommodations In Your Home
These are just a few suggestions on ways you can make living with low vision easier and safer. Low-vision rehabilitation specialists can provide you with detailed information and training on managing your household, personal grooming, cooking, shopping, traveling, and other activities that can be more challenging when you have low vision.
Lighting
Position lighting so that it is aimed at what you want to see, and away from your eyes.
Add table and floor lamps in areas where extra lighting is frequently needed.
Use window coverings that allow you to adjust the level of natural lighting.
Make sure potentially hazardous areas such as entries and stairways are well lit.
Use Contrast
Contrast makes use of your eyes' ability to distinguish objects and their surroundings based on differences in brightness or color (contrast), rather than shape or location. If you have low vision, you may need more light (illumination) to be able to distinguish objects with similar brightness or color (low contrast). There are many ways you can increase the contrast in your environment to help you locate and identify things.
- Place light objects against dark backgrounds, or dark objects against a light background. For example, if you have white or light-colored walls, use dark switch plates to mark the location of light switches. You can also use lighted switches that glow softly and so are easier to identify.
- You can also use paint in a contrasting color to mark electrical outlets, oven dials, thermostats, and other items so that they are easier to find and use.
- Paint door frames in a contrasting color; if the door is light, paint the frame with a dark color. Use dark doorknobs on light-colored doors.
- In your bathroom, use contrasting color for items such as cups, soap dishes, and even the soap.
Labeling and Marking
Use high contrast, such as bold black lettering on a white background, when making labels, signs, and other markings.
Label any medications you take so that they are easily and clearly identified.
You can also use colored, high-contrast labels to "color code" medications, spices, foods, stove dials, and other items.
If you need to post signs, place them at eye level. Use large, high-contrast lettering.
Mark the positions of the temperature settings you use most frequently on your stove and oven controls, as well as the "on" and "off" positions. Some appliances are available with extra-large, high-contrast markings and indicators.
In the kitchen and bathroom, it may be useful to mark the positions of hot and cold water faucets. In a bathtub or shower, you can clearly mark the settings for the faucets that provide the right water temperature. To prevent overfilling a sink or bathtub, you can mark the water level you want with a strip of waterproof tape or waterproof marker.
Eliminate Potential Hazards
Replace or remove any worn carpeting or floor coverings. If you use throw rugs or area rugs, tape them down or consider removing them.
Avoid smooth floor coverings, and do not wax kitchen and bathroom floors. Use nonskid, non-glare cleaners on smooth floors if you have them.
Remove electrical cords from areas where you need to walk. If this is not possible, tape them down so you will not trip over them. Arrange your furniture so it does not stick out into areas where you need to walk. Keep chairs pushed in under tables and desks when not in use. Similarly, keep desk, cabinet, and bureau drawers closed. Keep doors either fully opened or fully closed, but not halfway. Keep doors that stick out into a room or hallway closed. Mark the areas around stairways and ramps with paint or tape, preferably with a high-contrast color such as dark tape on light carpeting. Make sure stairways, ramps, and hallways are well lit. Make sure the handrails on stairways and ramps extend beyond the top and bottom steps, because people often stumble when they miss a step at the top or bottom of an incline. Consider installing handrails in other potentially hazardous areas.
Low-vision Aids and Adaptive Technology
Low-vision aids and adaptive technology help people with impaired vision to work, communicate, travel, and manage their daily life.
Your eye care professional or a low-vision specialist will use the information from a low-vision evaluation to recommend the most appropriate types of aids that will help you cope with your specific vision impairment.
Low-vision Aids
Low-vision aids are special lenses or electronic systems that make images appear larger. They may include:
- Magnifying lenses. These may range from simple hand held lenses for reading to special eyeglasses or magnifiers much like the lenses that jewelers use. Some magnifying lenses have a built-in light for better illumination, and some are mounted on stands so your hands are free. For distance vision, small hand held telescopes or lenses that clip onto your eyeglasses may be used.
- Video enlargement systems. These are electronic systems that include a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) or video camera that can be used to transmit an enlarged image of print, pictures, or other items onto a screen where it is easier for you to see. These systems can also sometimes adjust brightness and contrast to make the enlarged image easier to see. Some video systems have both the camera and screens built into a head-mounted device that looks like a pair of large goggles, allowing a person to move around while using them.
- Computer display and enlargement systems. Large screens and software that enlarge print, pictures, and other visual information are available. Computers also allow you to alter brightness, contrast, color, and other parts of the display to make it easier to see what is on the screen. Computers are sometimes used with video enlargement systems.
Adaptive Technology
Adaptive technology is used in devices or products that may not necessarily help you see better but can make life easier and safer. Many are designed to help you perform common tasks that may be more difficult when you have impaired vision. Examples of adaptive technology include:
- Large-print items. Books, newspapers, magazines, medicine labels, bank checks, and playing cards are often available in large print. Many people with low vision also use recordings of books and other printed materials.
- Special papers and writing aids. These may be something as simple as paper with extra-bold lines that help you write information on checks in the proper spaces.
- Adaptive appliances. These are common household items that have been adapted for use by people with low vision, such as clocks and watches with electronic voices that announce the time, or clocks, telephones, and calculators with extra-large buttons and numerals that can be seen more easily. Kitchen appliances with similar features, such as ovens, are also available.
- Speech software for computer systems. Special software allows computers to recognize spoken commands or to convert dictated speech into text. Speech synthesis software allows computers to speak text and read documents.
- Optical character recognition (OCR) software. OCR systems allow you to scan documents and convert them into computer text that can be enlarged for display or read aloud by a speech synthesis program.
LINKS
FAQ's: Cataracts & Cataract Surgery by AllAboutVision.com
St. Luke's Eye: Cataracts
Harvard: Cataracts Fact Sheet
VisionChannel: Cataracts
Cataracts In America
Cataracts In Animals
TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS & DISORDERS
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member are having problems with vision and/or you suspect an infection. Call your health care provider immediately if you experience severe eye pain or a sudden change in your vision, such as loss of vision or double vision.
You have any increase of symptoms. You may need frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. If you have blurred or double vision that develops slowly; are having a problem seeing because of daytime glare or have difficulty driving at night because of glare from headlights, you need to see your health care provider.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Are having vision problems that are affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
Call your child's health care provider if your baby does not look directly at or respond readily to faces or large, colorful objects by age 2 to 3 months or if your child scowls, squints, or shields his or her eyes more than expected when in sunlight, or light seems to hurt your child's eyes.
You and your family members should have your eyesight checked regularly by your health care provider to rule out any problems and to receive a prescription for contacts or eyeglasses, if they are needed. Preserve you vision... it is very important.
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