Keep an eye out for this potential health problem

by Christopher Singh

Professional truck drivers rely heavily on their eyes to perform their jobs safely and effectively. Therefore, eye conditions can be devastating or even career ending. This month I am going to discuss cataracts, which are a common eye condition that involves the clouding of the lens in the eye.

The main symptom of cataracts is cloudy or blurry vision. Many people with cataracts report that it is similar to looking through a fogged-up window. Most cataracts develop very slowly. As such, many people do not experience any significant symptoms until the cataract has grown in size. Often, cataracts only affect a small portion of the eye’s lens at first, however, as it increases in size the symptoms tend to become more noticeable. Although blurring of vision is the most common symptom, other symptoms include decreased vision at night, seeing halos or rings around lights and double vision.

The symptoms associated with cataracts are due to the lens of the eye not being able to focus the light that passes through the eye. The cataract scatters or disperses the light, which prevents a sharply defined image.

The most common causes of cataracts are age and injury-related changes in the tissue that make up the lens of your eye. Other risk factors include diabetes, alcohol abuse, high blood pressure and smoking.

If you suspect that you have a cataract, it is important to seek medical attention. In order to determine if you have a cataract, your doctor may perform a number of tests, which may include a visual acuity test as well as other, more sophisticated testing.

In most cases, the recommended treatment for cataracts is surgery. However, for most people, there is no rush to surgically remove the cataracts as they usually progress slowly and do not damage the eye.

Cataract surgery is relatively simple. Basically, the surgeon removes the clouded lens and then replaces it with a plastic lens implant. In general, this type of surgery does not require hospitalization and you should be able to go home after the surgery.

Most patients remain awake during the surgery. The surgeon will use local anesthetic to numb the eye and surrounding area. Cataract surgery is fairly common and is generally considered to be safe and effective.

The prevention of cataracts is difficult, as the exact cause is not clearly understood. However, having regular eye examinations and living a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet high in fruits and vegetables seems to reduce the risk. Also, wearing sunglasses that filter out Ultraviolet-B light may also decrease the risk of developing cataracts. This point is especially important for truck drivers, as you are more exposed to direct sunlight than the general population.  As you can see, cataracts are not considered a life-threatening medical condition. However, it left untreated, the associated symptoms can become debilitating.

Keep in mind these simple preventive tips and you will be well on your way to maintaining crystal clear vision.

Until next time, drive safely.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*

  • Hi, I have this problem with my right eye.
    This text was very helpfull for me and I’m gona vist my doctor as soon as possible.
    Thanks a lot
    Bye