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Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter! In these newsletters we review ocular health and vision topics. If you have topics that you would like addressed in future editions, contact us. In this issue we’ll “focus” on cataracts, a common cause of decreased vision in older adults. (Scroll down for new product information!)

A cataract is a clouding or opacity in the normally clear lens inside the eye. This lens is directly behind the iris, or colored portion of your eye. The lens and the cornea are the two structures responsible for focusing incoming light onto your retina. Cataracts most commonly occur in patients over age 60 and occur less frequently in younger adults and infants.

The lens is composed mainly of water and proteins that are precisely arranged so that light can clearly pass through the normal lens. With aging or trauma the proteins can clump together causing clouding or yellowing of the lens. Symptoms of significant cataracts include dullness or blurriness of vision, glare in bright light and difficulty seeing at night. In early stages there may be no symptoms. Most cataracts tend to progress slowly. Those that develop in younger adults, however, can progress rapidly. Sometimes a change in glasses or contact lens prescription will improve vision with early cataracts. If the cataract interferes with everyday tasks such as reading or driving and a change in prescription cannot help, then cataract surgery is indicated.

In most cataract surgeries, the cloudy lens is removed through a small cut in the cornea. This common procedure is done in an outpatient surgery center with a low risk of complications. At the time of surgery a clear plastic lens or intraocular lens implant (IOL) is inserted to replace your lens. This allows light to focus clearly on the retina again. As long as the remainder of the eye is healthy, vision can be restored to pre-cataract level. In many cases the implant power can be calculated so that you may not need glasses or contact lenses for TV and driving. You will still need glasses or contacts for near tasks, such as reading. Some patients chose monovision, one eye corrected for distance and one for near vision, especially if they successfully wore monovision contact lenses in the past. There are also optional multifocal implants that allow many patients to read regular-sized print without the use of reading glasses.

Research is being done to determine the causes of cataracts and determine effective preventative measures. Certain medications such as corticosteroids can increase your risk of cataract formation. Cataracts can develop as a result of injury or other eye surgery, such as retinal surgery. Studies have shown that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (particularly in childhood), smoking and diabetes increase the risk of age-related cataract formation. Nutritional deficiencies may also play a role in cataract formation. To decrease your risk of cataracts wear glasses that filter out UV light when outdoors, stop smoking, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and decrease your risk of developing diabetes by watching your food intake and increasing your physical activity. Encourage your children to wear sunglasses outdoors to decrease their cataract risk.

Cataracts can be detected during your yearly comprehensive eye exam. When you are ready for cataract surgery, we will refer you to a surgeon for the surgery and Dr. Yin can provide your post-surgical care. For additional information, call our office or visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp.

NEW FRAMES!

3 new prodesign:denmark collections: ~ Iris - striking metal cutwork temples

~Gail Spence - whimsical aluminum in fun color combinations

~colorful contemporary plastic - available with or without adjustable nose pads for hard to fit noses

TURAFLEX titanium memory metal for men and boys—functional, stylish & affordable

***If you cannot find what you want in our office, we are happy to special order!***

RUDY PROJECT GEAR DEAL

One of our favorite specialty products is the RUDY PROJECT collection. These sporty and attractive wrap-around glasses with superior optics can be used for sun or safety at work, home and play. Lenses are available in clear and a multitude of tints and coatings including polarized, mirrored, and changeable tints that respond to sunlight. Prescription lenses can be made to replace or insert behind the non-prescription wrap lenses. We have made RUDY PROJECT prescription glasses for tasks such as biking, target shooting, working in a laboratory, fishing and working outdoors. They are also great for golf, boating, gardening, driving, softball or just looking cool.

This summer we have a fantastic RUDY PROJECT GEAR DEAL for you. Choose between 6 styles of sunglasses (retail $175) and you can get a RUDY PROJECT cycling helmet, backpack, T-shirt, eyeglass strap, case, hat and a spare set of non-prescription lenses plus the sunglasses for a total of $240 (+ tax). This is normally a $475 value, so you save nearly 50%! Stop by our office or call us for more information.