A representative from Interim Healthcare will present a program – “Cataracts and Glaucoma” – at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Avenue. The presenter will describe symptoms and solutions, and questions will be answered.
Cataracts
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, making images look blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging. But eye injuries, certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause cataracts.
In the early stages stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. However, at a certain point surgery may be needed to improve vision. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. More than 90% of the people who have cataract surgery regain useful vision.
Glaucoma
It’s sneaky and it’s subtle. It’s referred to as “…thesilent thief of sight.” “It” is glaucoma. Most types of glaucoma cause no pain and produce no symptoms. What glaucoma does, however, is cause damage to the optic nerve. The main function of the optic nerve is sending electrical transmissions to the brain. Damage to it can lead to serious problems with vision that eventually lead to blindness.
Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye. This pressure is from a buildup of fluid, called aqueous humor, in the front of the eye. The elevated pressure is often extremely subtle with no symptoms until the disease has already caused significant damage.
Programs are presented at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of every month, each with a different topic. The programs are part of a lecture series called, “Here’s to Your Health.”
Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040
