There is no scientific proof that cataracts can be prevented. Most types of cataracts are usually accepted as a normal part of aging. However, doctors advise that there might be ways to reduce your risk of developing or slow their progression.

It can be upsetting to find out that you have cataracts. You might even be afraid that you will suddenly go blind. However, that is not how cataracts work. With cataracts, your eyesight will progressively become worse, depending on which stage this condition has been found. In many cases, surgery will not be indicated immediately after being diagnosed with this condition.

You, like a majority of older adults might be affected by age-related cataracts at some point during your life. Because the symptoms of cataracts are not immediately noticeable, it is important to have your eyes examined as recommended by your eye doctor to catch them at an earlier stage. Once you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you may have many questions, but the most important one you might want to ask your doctor is how cataracts will affect my vision.

It is common for adults over 60 to begin to develop cataracts that will affect their vision. Not all cataracts need to be treated, but when they interfere too much with your vision, you may need surgery to restore your eyesight back to normal.

Facts About Cataracts

Over half of the adults in the United States will have contracted cataracts by the time they’re 80 years-old. This condition usually appears in adults over 40, and it is related to the natural aging process of the body. There are, however, additional factors that can increase your risk of developing cataracts, including certain medications, your lifestyle, and the environment where you live.

It is important to make an appointment immediately if you notice any sudden changes to your vision. However, with cataracts you might not notice any changes in your vision right away.

Most cataracts develop slowly, and it might take a couple of years before they interfere with your vision.

Early detection through yearly eye exams, especially if you are over 60 or take medications that make you more susceptible, are crucial to protecting your eyes from cataracts.

With winter just around the corner, your kids will be itching to get outside and participate in cold weather activities. The problem is that with the colder weather comes the increased risk that your child may suffer an injury from a winter sport. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, sports such as snowboarding or sledding account for a substantial number of visits to hospital emergency rooms each year. The majority of injuries experienced included:

A recent study by Canadian researchers found that football players were at a higher risk of injury during practice and games that were played in the wintertime. Out of the five most common injuries studied, the risk for ankle and shoulder injuries rose by almost 150 percent. While some of the increase in injuries may be related to sports equipment reacting differently to colder temperatures, it’s important not to forget the colder weather’s effect on your body. Your muscles get tight and you have decreased mobility.

Is hockey the most dangerous sport? What about skiing or snowboarding? There’s something about a winter sports injury, where speed is often coupled with cold weather, that can make athletes (and their parents) particularly nervous.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 220,000 patients were treated for injuries from winter sports during the year 2017. This data includes visits to doctor’s offices, hospitals, and emergency departments. So winter injuries can be common–but there are steps you can take to avoid them, especially if you’re an active winter athlete.

One of the most feared injuries for athletes is an ACL tear. As one of the four ligaments that stabilize the knee, a minor tear or complete rupture of the ACL could mean months of recovery or possibly an end to playing sports. An injury to the ACL can cause the knee to give out and increase the possibility of injuring other parts of the knee.

Most ACL injuries occur from:

• Abruptly changing directions while running – such as in basketball, football, soccer, skiing, volleyball and more
• Falling after a jump or landing wrong
• Weak muscles that have affected the stability of the knee
• Receiving a direct blow to the knee