Category: Health

  • Your Mind & Body: Diabetes

    Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the age of 65, have diabetes. It affects both men and women alike.

    TYPES OF DIABETES

    Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens or young adults. This disease results from the body’s failure to produce insulin (a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body) and requires the person to inject insulin. The exact cause is unknown.

    Type 2 diabetes makes up majority of the diabetes cases. It occurs in adulthood, but teens are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. It results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells fail to use insulin properly.

    COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES:

    ● Frequent urination
    ● Sudden weight loss
    ● Unusual thirst
    ● Increased hunger
    ● Blurred vision
    ● Wounds that are difficult to heal
    ● Frequent infections
    ● Tingling or numbness of hands and feet

    HOW IS DIABETES DIAGNOSED?

    Blood testing of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test or Hemoglobin A1 test is use to diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood glucose of 126 or higher is indicative of diabetes.

    ARE LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS EFFECTIVE?HEALTH-Diabetes_image1

    Lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise regimen, can be a very effective way to keep diabetes in control. Multiple small changes can lead to improvements in diabetes control, 
including a decreased need for medication.

    The Plate Method encourages persons to eat their meals filling ½ their plate with fruits and vegetables, ¼ carbohydrates (starch) and ¼ lean protein.

    WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES?

    Long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, eye diseases and peripheral vascular disease. These complications can seriously affect the quality of life of persons with diabetes.

    HOW CAN A PERSON PREVENT COMPLICATIONS FROM DIABETES?

    Improved blood sugar control can slow the progression of long-term complications. Good control of blood pressure and cholesterol is needed. Any medications the physician prescribes to control these conditions need to be taken consistently. Take an aspirin once a day. Seek out dental care at the first sign of infection or other dental issues. Brush and floss daily. Check feet regularly and wear good footwear. Yearly eye exam to check vision is recommended. Reduce stress as much as possible. Quitting smoking is the best decision a person can make to improve their health.

    Diabetes: Are You Too Sweet? by Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes, MD from the December-January 2012 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life

  • Diabetes: Are You Too Sweet?

    Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the age of 65, have diabetes. It affects both men and women alike.

    Types of Diabetes

    Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens or young adults. This disease results from the body’s failure to produce insulin (a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body) and requires the person to inject insulin. The exact cause is unknown.

    Type 2 diabetes makes up majority of the diabetes cases. It occurs in adulthood, but teens are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. It results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells fail to use insulin properly.

    Common symptoms of diabetes:

    • Frequent urination
    • Sudden weight loss
    • Unusual thirst
    • Increased hunger
    • Blurred vision
    • Wounds that are difficult to heal
    • Frequent infections
    • Tingling or numbness of hands and feet

    How is diabetes diagnosed?

    Blood testing of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test or Hemoglobin A1 test is use to diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood glucose of 126 or higher is indicative of diabetes.

    Are lifestyle modifications effective?

    HEALTH-Diabetes_image1
    The Plate Method

    Lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise regimen, can be a very effective way to keep diabetes in control. Multiple small changes can lead to improvements in diabetes control, 
including a decreased need for medication.

    The Plate Method encourages persons to eat their meals filling ½ their plate with fruits and vegetables, ¼ carbohydrates (starch) and ¼ lean protein.

    What are the complications of diabetes?

    Long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, eye diseases and peripheral vascular disease. These complications can seriously affect the quality of life of persons with diabetes.

    How can a person prevent complications from diabetes?

    Improved blood sugar control can slow the progression of long-term complications. Good control of blood pressure and cholesterol is needed. Any medications the physician prescribes to control these conditions need to be taken consistently. Take an aspirin once a day. Seek out dental care at the first sign of infection or other dental issues. Brush and floss daily. Check feet regularly and wear good footwear. Yearly eye exam to check vision is recommended. Reduce stress as much as possible. Quitting smoking is the best decision a person can make to improve their health.

    Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the…

  • AARP: Saving Money on Prescriptions – Ask for Generic Drugs

    Usually when a doctor prescribes a medication during an appointment, we take the prescription slip and head for the door. But a savings-savvy patient will pause and ask, Is there a generic version? This simple question may save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year.

    Take Zocor, a popular drug that treats high cholesterol, for example. According to the Consumer Reports Best Buy Drug report at www.aarp.org/drugsavings, an average monthly cost for 10 mg of Zocor is $106. But, Simvastatin, the generic version of Zocor, costs only $36, saving you $70!

    Even if you have health insurance with drug coverage, generics can save you money. A generic drug has the same active ingredients as the brand-name version and works just as well for nearly all patients. A generic drug can look different from its brand-name counterpart, but the Food and Drug Administration will only approve generic drugs that have the same strength, effectiveness and quality as their brand-name equivalents.

    Here are some tips to take advantage of lower cost generics:

    For a new prescription:

    • Ask your doctor if there is a generic drug option.
    • Request that your doctor writes, “dispense generic” on your prescription.
    • Double-check with your pharmacist that you have received the generic drug when you get your prescription filled.
    • Keep an updated list of your medications so your doctor can check for interactions. If you do not have a medication list, download a form from www.aarp.org/medicationrecord and start yours today.

    For an existing prescription:

    • Visit the Drug Savings Tool at www.aarp.org/drugsavings to find information about the safety, effectiveness and price of your prescription drugs, directly from the Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drug database.
    • If you have Medicare, use the Doughnut Hole Calculator at www.aarp.org/doughnuthole to learn how to avoid the coverage gap, or doughnut hole, where you have to pay all your prescription costs. Print a letter and give it to you doctor for each medi-cation option that may save you money. Also, because of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Part D recipients who reach the coverage gap will now get a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs and a 7 percent discount on the lower cost generic medications.
    • Be on the lookout for more generic drug choices. Over the next 14 months, seven of the 20 best-selling drugs, such as cholesterol medication Lipitor, and blood thinner Plavix, will have generics for the first time. Be ready to discuss your options with your doctor.

    Usually when a doctor prescribes a medication during an appointment, we take the prescription slip and head for the door. But a savings-savvy patient will pause and ask, Is there a generic version? This simple question may save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year. Take Zocor, a popular drug that treats high cholesterol,…

  • Your Mind & Body: Prostrate Problems

    Prostate - Generations Magazine - October - November 2011The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is located just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It affects more than 50% of the men over age 60. Testosterone and other hormones may play a role.

    Common symptoms of BPH:

    • Weak urinary stream
    • Urgency to urinate
    • Leaking or dribbling of urine
    • More frequent urination, especially at night

    How is BPH diagnosed?

    Often it is the symptoms that lend to the diagnosis of BPH. A routine check up that includes a digital rectal examination may reveal BPH. To rule our cancer, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test might be done. Other tests include urine flow study, rectal ultrasound, cystoscopy and/or biopsy.

    Are lifestyle modifications effective?

    Decreasing fluid intake before bedtime, moderate alcohol consumption, reducing caffeine intake, and timed toileting may help. Do not urinate in a rush; try to relax while using the bathroom. Avoid medications with anti-cholinergic effects such a Benadryl that can make symptoms worse.

    What herbal remedies are available?

    The best-studied herbal remedy is Saw Palmetto, which is an extract of the fruit of Serenoa repens. Also, Serenoa repens may provide mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures. Beta-sitosterol is another herbal remedy that may be effective.

    What is the treatment for BPH?

    BPH cannot be cured. The focus of treatment is on improving the symptoms. Many medications are available such as Flomax, Uroxatral, Hytrin or Cardura. Common side effects are lightheadedness and headaches. Proscar and Avodart belong to another class of medications that gradually reduce the size of the prostate gland over months.

    When is surgery indicated?

    If symptoms are bothersome and affect a person’s quality of life, then a surgery called Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is indicated. Other alternatives include laser and Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), which are less invasive and may be performed in the physician’s office.

    Send in your requests of medical topics for Dr. Ritabelle to write about in future issues to Percy Ihara.

    The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is located just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man…

  • Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis - Generations Magazine - August - September 2011Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this chronic disease affects more than 27 million Americans. More than half the seniors over age 65 have evidence of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage breaks down over time. It most commonly affects joints of the hands, hips, knees, lower back and neck.

    Risk factors for osteoarthritis

    • Previous joint injuries
    • Older age
    • Female gender
    • Bone deformities
    • Occupations with repetitive stress on a particular joint

    Spine Osteoarthritis - Generations Magazine - August - September 2011Common symptoms of arthritis

    • Joint pain
    • Joint stiffness
    • Swelling
    • Loss of flexibility
    • Grating sensation

    How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

    X-ray imaging of affected joints may reveal narrowing of the joint space, which indicates that the cartilage is worn out. Bone spurs may be seen around the joint.

    What lifestyle modifications are recommended?

    Maintaining function and preventing disability is key to living well with arthritis. Exercise is important to preserve joint function and improve flexibility. Yoga and Tai Chi offer gentle exercises that help balance, posture and flexibility. Physical therapy is useful to strengthen the muscles around the joints and increase range of motion. Weight loss is recommended for persons who are overweight as it reduces the stress on weight bearing joints. Assistive devices such as canes or walkers prevent falls.

    How is osteoarthritis treated?

    There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Tylenol, Ibuprofen and other pain relievers reduce joint pain and maintain joint movement. For severe pain narcotics are often prescribed. Injections of steroid or hyaluronic acid into the joint may provide pain relief for longer periods. Studies on glucosamine and chondroitin have show mixed results. Both heat and cold packs can relieve pain in the joints. There are many over-the-counter creams for temporary relief of arthritis pain.

    When is surgery needed?

    Sometimes joint pain is so severe that it affects a person’s daily activities. Joint replacement is considered as a treatment when severe joint pain or dysfunction is not relieved by less invasive therapies. Joint replacement surgery involves removing the damaged surfaces of the joints and replacing them with metal prosthesis. The surgery is usually done by an orthopedic surgeon. Hip and knee joints are the commonly replaced joints and can last for 15 to 20 years depending upon use. Following joint replacement surgery, seniors are able to enjoy an active, pain-free lifestyle.

    Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this chronic disease affects more than 27 million Americans. More than half the seniors over age 65 have evidence of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage…

  • Never Too Old for Sex-Ed

    Worrying about aging wasn’t a concern for anyone with AIDS in 1981, when the CDC reported the first five cases. In those days before any treatments were available, many who contracted the disease died within a few months.

    Now, in 2011, older adults increasingly risk contracting HIV, and with 30 years of progress in research and treatment, most people with HIV/AIDS now live for many years after diagnosis and deal with aging concerns as well.

    Older adults who are at risk of contracting HIV are those sexually active well into their 70s and 80s, and some use alcohol or drugs. Elders don’t worry about birth control, and often believe they won’t get sexually transmitted diseases, so they usually don’t take precautions to protect themselves from infection.

    Tom Sheehan and Queens Medical Center - Generations Magazine - August - September 2011
    AIDS patients often experience health conditions common in older adults. Here, the author prepares for radiation treatment for throat cancer at Queen’s Medical Center.

    HIV prevention messages are not targeted toward older adults, and many doctors don’t think (or are too embarrassed) to ask about sexual activity in their older patients.

    The symptoms of HIV disease may appear differently in older adults, or may be mistaken for other age-related conditions, so detection and treatment are often delayed. While the majority of those with HIV/AIDS today are under age 50, the trend is clear: 30 years of AIDS requires greater awareness to protect older adults.

    In Hawai‘i, more older adults, women and members of the Hawaiian and Asian-American communities are now contracting HIV than in the early years of the epidemic. The Life Foundation recently reported that a 60-year-old woman tested HIV-positive.

    According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, in 2005, people over age 50 accounted for:

    • 15 percent of new HIV/AIDS cases
    • 24 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS
    • 35 percent of all deaths of people with AIDS

    These numbers are growing; more people now living with HIV/AIDS will experience health problems relating to both aging and HIV disease.

    The Hawai‘i HIV/AIDS and Aging Coalition will bring greater public attention to this issue by observing National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day on September 18. The Coalition will also have a booth at the Blaisdell Senior Fair (Ewa Tabletop C) on September 23-25 to share information and resources with the community.

    For more information:

    National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day: www.theaidsinstitute.org/programs/education/national-hivaids-and-aging-awareness-nhaaa

    The Body: AIDS and Aging information www.thebody.com/index/whatis/older.html

    O‘ahu: Life Foundation 521-2437, www.lifefoundation.org

    Hawai‘i: Hawai’i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation 331-8177 (Kona), 982-8800 (Hilo), www.hihaf.org

    Maui: Maui AIDS Foundation 242-4900, www.mauiaids.org

    Kaua‘i: Malama Pono 246-9577, www.malama-pono.org

    Worrying about aging wasn’t a concern for anyone with AIDS in 1981, when the CDC reported the first five cases. In those days before any treatments were available, many who contracted the disease died within a few months. Now, in 2011, older adults increasingly risk contracting HIV, and with 30 years of progress in research…

  • Blending the East And West for Optimal Health

    Eastern medicine, or sometimes called Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an ancient system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 3,000 years. Its primary philosophy is to keep the body, mind, spirit and emotions in balance and in sync with our environment. Eastern medicine takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns of nature and applies them to the human body. The core of Eastern Medicine is Qi, or “vital energy,” and can be thought of as another word for “function,” for example Lung qi is the lungs’ function of gas exchange.

    It is believed that there are channels of Qi energy that run throughout the body called Meridians. If an area on one or more of these Meridians becomes stuck then disease or pain may result and an imbalance will occur. Once the energy is freed, disease or pain may decrease or cease to exist altogether. A practitioner of Eastern Medicine may use acupuncture, herbs, massage, diet, and/or exercise to balance the body and allow Qi to flow freely.

    One of the main differences with Western medicine is that it focuses on a specific disease or symptom. In Eastern Medicine, the physical body and emotional well-being are both examined for an individual “constitutional” diagnosis. For example, two people can both be diagnosed with depression, but treated completely different based on their own unique “constitution.”

    In the West, when something happens we ask, “What can we do about it?” In the East, when something happens they ask, “What caused it?” Eastern Medicine looks for the underlying causes of imbalances and patterns of disharmony within the body and views each patient individually.

    Because of these differences, Eastern and Western medicine should be seen as complementary as opposed to alternatives to each other. Both have their advantage and drawbacks, which is why when utilized together, we can gain optimal results. Research has shown that Eastern medicine can effectively complement Western medicine when the two systems are used for acute, chronic or life-threatening disease. In China, a combination of Eastern and Western medicine has been shown to be more effective in treat certain cancers than Western medicine alone.

    Many major hospitals across the United States now offer Eastern treatments such as acupuncture. Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific here in Honolulu is an excellent example where acupuncture is offered along with physical, occupation and speech therapy to help patients recover 
from orthopedic surgeries, stroke, trauma and other injuries.

    As we transition through to the golden years, we are naturally more susceptible to an increasing number of chronic illnesses and prevention becomes critical to maintaining our most optimal levels of well-being.

     

    Eastern medicine, or sometimes called Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an ancient system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 3,000 years. Its primary philosophy is to keep the body, mind, spirit and emotions in balance and in sync with our environment. Eastern medicine takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns…

  • Know the 10 Warning Signs

    Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer’s have difficulties communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning—problems severe enough to impact on an individual’s work, social activities and family life.

    This list can help you recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer’s:

    1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life:

    One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

    2. Challenges in planning or solving problems:

    A person may find it hard to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, concentrating or take much longer to do things.

    3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure:

    A person may find it hard to complete daily tasks, such as driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

    4. Confusion with time or place:

    A person can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

    5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships:

    For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

    6. New problems with words in speaking or writing:

    A person may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

    7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps:

    A person may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing.

    8. Decreased or poor judgment:

    A person may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

    9. Withdrawal from work or social activities:

    A person may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby.

    10. Changes in mood and personality:

    The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

    If you recognize any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends consulting a physician. Early diagnosis is an important step in getting treatment, care and support services. To contact the Alzheimer’s Association, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/hawaii.

     

    Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer’s have difficulties communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning—problems severe enough to impact on an individual’s work, social activities and family life. This list can help you recognize the warning signs of…

  • Can You Hold It?

    What is urinary incontinence?

    Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control that is often seen in the elderly. It affects more than 25 million Americans. Urinary incontinence is not a part of the normal aging process. This can be a very embarrassing problem for seniors often leading to social isolation. The good news 
is that it can be treated. Please talk with your physician today.

    What are the causes of urinary incontinence?

    It can be caused by many different medical problems such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, enlarged prostate gland, weakened pelvic muscles after childbirth and certain medications. Neurological disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke may cause urinary incontinence, too.

    What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

    1. Stress incontinence usually occurs when the pelvic muscles are weakened, for example by childbirth or surgery. It is common in women, causing urine to leak when a person coughs or laughs.
    2. Urge incontinence occurs when the need to urinate comes on very suddenly. It is most common in elderly and may be a sign of overactive bladder.
    3. Overflow incontinence is the uncontrollable leakage of small amounts of urine caused by an overfilled bladder. It is common in men and can be caused by something blocking the urinary flow such as an enlarged prostate gland.
    4. Functional incontinence occurs in persons who have normal urine control but trouble getting to the toilet in time. This may be seen in persons with severe arthritis or dementia.
    5. Mixed incontinence is a combination of the one or more types listed above.

    How can urinary incontinence be treated?

    Treatment depends of the type and cause of urinary incontinence. Kegel exercises, bladder training, medications and/or surgery are some 
of the options.

    What are Kegel exercises?

    Kegel exercises, named after Dr Arnold Kegel, consist of contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles. These exercises strengthen the muscles that control the bladder and are useful to women experiencing stress incontinence. To locate the right muscles, try stopping the urine flow without using the stomach, leg or buttock muscles. When you are able to slow or stop the stream of urine then you have located the right muscles. Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds and relax for 10 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions, three times a day. Results are usually seen in 3 to 6 months. The advantage of Kegel exercises are that they can be performed anywhere and anytime.

    What is timed voiding and bladder training?

    Seniors with urge incontinence can learn to lengthen the time between urges to go to the bathroom. It is advised to complete a bladder record/chart of the times a person urinates and the times of accidental leakage. It is important to observe patterns and then empty the bladder before an accident would likely occur. A person starts by urinating at set intervals such as every 1 to 2 hours, whether they feel the need to go or not. Seniors can retrain their bladder by gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits.

    What medications are available for urinary incontinence?

    Men with prostate enlargement can benefit from prescription medications to shrink the prostate and improve the flow of urine. Overactive bladder is often due to bladder muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable. There are several medications to treat overactive bladder. These medications block specific receptors in the bladder, which help the muscles of the bladder to relax.

    When is surgery recommended?

    Surgery is reserved if other treatments haven’t worked or if the incontinence is severe. It is helpful in stress incontinence in women and in overflow incontinence in men due to an enlarged prostate.

     

    What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control that is often seen in the elderly. It affects more than 25 million Americans. Urinary incontinence is not a part of the normal aging process. This can be a very embarrassing problem for seniors often leading to social isolation. The good news 
is that…

  • Cataract Surgery – A Clear Choice

    Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Fortunately, in the United States, vision loss from cataract is almost always reversible. That’s good news for more than 20 million Americans with cataracts.

    Cataract is a gradual opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision is blurred. Early symptoms from cataract include difficulty driving, glare, poor night vision, difficulty reading or doing craft work, and overall reduced vision. Cataracts are common in people over the age of 60 as a normal part of the aging process. They also occur in younger people and can be caused by trauma, disease, or long term exposure to ultra violet light from the sun.

    When lifestyle is impaired by the blurred vision of a cataract, a short, painless surgical procedure is used to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear lens implant. This procedure is performed well over a million times a year in the United States, and nearly 10,000 times a year in Hawaii. Over 90% of patients, nationwide, end up with excellent vision following cataract surgery.

    Technology has continued to improve what can be done at the time of surgery. New surgical techniques and new lens technology allow eye surgeons to offer many patients vision correction at the time of surgery. This is ideal for those who wish to reduce dependence on eyeglasses, restoring youthful vision following surgery.

    Advice from an expert: If you experience cloudiness or loss of vision, consult with an eye specialist. For many people, a painless cataract surgery not only improves vision, but improves quality of life and provides many years of excellent vision.

    Christopher Tortora, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist at the Hawaiian Eye Center and host of “The Hawaiian Eye Show,” a weekly informational radio program about healthy vision. He and his colleagues at Hawaiian Eye Center are committed to educating the public about the importance of preventative eye care. Hawaiian Eye Center has been serving Hawaii for 36 years with locations in Hilo and Wahiawa. To learn more about a variety of eye health issues, please contact Hawaiian Eye Center at SEE-2020 (733-2020) or visit the website, http://HawaiianEye.com where “life has never looked better.” Located at 606 Kilani Avenue, Wahiawa, HI 96786.

    Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Fortunately, in the United States, vision loss from cataract is almost always reversible. That’s good news for more than 20 million Americans with cataracts. Cataract is a gradual opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision is blurred. Early symptoms from…