A cataract causes clouding of the normally transparent lens of the eye. As the lens becomes more opaque, the rays of light are prevented from focusing on the retina, leading to symptoms such as blurriness, light sensitivity, glare, distortion, and fading of colors and vision. Cataracts are very common in older adults, and can develop in approximately 50% of people between the ages of 65-75. About 70% of people over the age of 75 have cataracts. Cataracts can only be removed surgically, which is successful in about 90-95% of all cases.
Most retinal surgeons say that there is minimal danger of complications from cataract surgery on patients with retinal degeneration. The retina is located in the interior of the back of the eye, and cataract surgery does not interfere with this area. The surgery, most doctors maintain, will not improve vision lost from retinal degeneration, but it will not make the retinal condition worse. A 2003 study, however, concluded that cataract surgery in older persons may, in fact, be associated with an increased risk for developing wet ARMD. (Cataract surgery and the 5-year incidence of late-stage age-related maculopathy: pooled findings from the Beaver Dam and Blue Mountains eye studies. Ophthalmology. 2003 Oct;110(10):1960-7.)
By Beverly Castellini Submitted by Mike Goldberg Rehabilitation Counselor Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
From MD Support- The Eyes of the Macular Degeneration Community
Beverly is a sixty-nine year old woman who now lives in the family homestead in Hartland, Vermont. In the mid 1960's, she and her husband, George, built their home on property which her ancestors purchased in this rural area in 1780.
When Beverly was in her mid 50's, it became obvious to her that the family's predisposition to macular degeneration seemed to be becoming a part of her life. One day she noticed that the lines in the baseboard looked warped. After that, when she paid attention, all baseboards seemed warped. Her condition continued to decline, and with the assistance of her eye doctor's grid, it was determined that she did have macular degeneration.
Notwithstanding her visual challenge, Beverly still needs to express, in her writing, her hopes and dreams. She has a strong urge to share with the world her literary gifts through her factual and fictional writing. In the article, "Blessings on My Path", Beverly relates her experiences, both bad and good.
Janelle Spence's Travel Chatter for mature travellers
Have you planned your next holiday or trip overseas? If not, you had better get started, and if you have any questions before you take off, then please send them through.
I would like to thank all the readers for their interest and support of the column. We have had an increasing amount of questions on all travel related issues but the main topic seems to be travel insurance. Once you reach that wonderful 70 years, you are deemed to have all sorts of medical problems even if you never visit a doctor. But all is not lost, there is cover available.
By Open Society Institute & Soros Foundations Network
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2002
Contact: Amy Weil (212) 548-0381
NEW YORK—In a paper released today, a leading neurologist specializing in pain and palliative care said that many of the more than 50 million people in the United States living with chronic pain forgo effective treatment with prescription medication due to misperceptions and fears of addiction.
Dr. Kathy Foley, M.D., who authored the lead piece in the "Ideas" paper published today by the Open Society Institute, said that fear of addiction to pain medications were largely fed by sensationalized media reports documenting the illegal abuse of OxyContin and drugs that would otherwise safely treat people suffering from pain.
Age-related macular disorder (AMD) can be a life-altering disease, but there are resources available from the AMD Alliance International and our member organizations throughout the globe to provide knowledge, help and hope. A diagnosis of AMD, particularly if vision loss is occurring quickly can generate a variety of very normal reactions including denial, anger, fear, grief, and depression.
Health and Wellness 
