As we age most individuals develop cataracts.  Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness among older adults in the United States. More than 20 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts. More than half of all Americans have cataracts by the time they are 80 years old. 

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil and the colored iris, and is normally transparent. The lens helps to focus images onto the retina - which transmits the images to the brain.

A cataract may look like a milky or yellowish spot in your pupil. . Generally, a cataract does not cause pain, redness or tears. Possible symptoms are blurred vision, double vision, ghost images, the sense of a “film” over your eyes, strong light is hard to tolerate and changing glasses do not seem to help you see better. 

The exact cause of a cataract is unknown but there are possible risk factors: Intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun, certain diseases, such as diabetes, inflammation in the eye, hereditary influence, .events before birth, such as German measles in the mother, long-term steroid use, eye injuries, eye diseases, and  smoking.

Your ophthalmologist can diagnosis a cataract though an eye examination. Regular eye exams are important.  If you are 65 or older, you should get a complete, dilated eye exam every one or two years.

Children’s eyes should be protected against UV rays.  According to the World Health Organization, up to 80 percent of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18.  Sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.  When going outside, both adults and children should always wear both a wide-brimmed hat or cap and the proper UV-rated sunglasses.  One can log onto starpupils.org or call 1(800) 331-2020 for more information. Information adapted from preventblindness.org 

We may have other problems with our vision, too. Not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual one.  Life situations, hurts, disappointments, and busyness can cloud our vision of Jesus.   Things happen in our life that are hard to understand. Why has this hurtful thing happened?

  When tragedies happen in the world, we again struggle to make sense of them. This certainly cannot be in God’s plan.  A loving God certainly would not have allowed these horrific situations. often try to explain God or defend God when we or others question. Understanding the mind of God is beyond us. Often it is only in hindsight that we see God’s hand.  I am not going to try to explain God amidst the tragic happenings in our lives or in the world. I can share how I personally have felt his peace, his comfort and support during those times in my life and I am supposing, at least I am hoping, you have experienced his presence in these times, too. 

I Corinthians 13:12  …Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me. (GW)

Blessings,
Deaconess Sharon.