Cataracts are common

Cataracts, other eye conditions affect many seniors. U.S. News and World Report (1/29, Shute) reports, "Cataracts are the most common age-related eye disease, with more than 17 percent of Americans age 40 and over affected. The main cause, aside from plain old aging, is exposure to ultraviolet B radiation in sunlight." People can reduce their risk "and delay the need for surgery to remove a clouded lens" by "wearing sunglasses and brimmed hats while outside." At present, "cataract surgery has been refined so that the super small incisions are self-sealing." Besides cataracts, eye conditions such as "glaucoma and macular degeneration" also affect seniors, although they "are more insidious." Typically, medications are used to slow the damage caused by glaucoma. Meanwhile, "high doses of supplements, including vitamins C and E and beta carotene and the mineral zinc, have been found to slow the progression of AMD in several trials."