East Rockingham Senior Center: Glaucoma/Cataracts Discussion at East Rock

Paula Tyree, RN, Interim Healthcare, spoke to 15 East Rock SC members and several guests about cataracts and glaucoma on Jan. 26.

Cataracts, she noted, are preventable and treatable with surgery. Signs of cataracts include a clouded view, halos, and a blinding glare seen at night. The members in attendance (a fairly large crowd for a Thursday at the noontime hour) spoke about their experiences with cataract surgery, and Ms. Tyree reiterated the importance of getting a second opinion. Causes of cataracts, she noted, include exposure to UV rays (sunlight without wearing sunglasses) and sitting too close to the television.

Glaucoma, as explained by Ms. Tyree, begins on the outside or outer edge of the lens and causes a pressure to build in the eye. She said while everyone has fluid in their eyes, glaucoma results when there is a small hole in the eye causing pressure on the optic lens. This impacts the peripheral (side) vision, Ms. Tyree explained, and she said some medications can lessen the symptoms.

Ms. Tyree has been offering her expertise on a variety of health topics to our Center members for several months, and everyone has become quite relaxed in their conversation with Ms. Tyree, and we look forward to her monthly visits. Ms. Tyree is scheduled to visit the ERSC on Thursday, February 16, when she will discuss “Heart Health”–a topic that will be very appropriate for the month.