Cataracts are thickened, hardened, and cloudy parts of the eye lens. The cloudy lens blocks or distorts light coming into the eye and blurs vision. Cataracts usually affect both eyes and develop at different rates. Some remain quite small and do not impair vision. When they cause visual problems, the only effective treatment is surgery.
Symptoms include painless blurring or fuzziness of vision, decreased night vision and problems with glare.  Double vision may occur, spots may be seen, and lights may have a halo around them. If left untreated, the lens will become milky, and vision will be greatly reduced.
Cataracts are very common; 70% of people over age 75 have some type of cataract. Cataracts may also be caused by a direct injury or blow to the eye, chemical burns, and electrical shocks. Smokers, Native Americans, people with diabetes, and those who have taken steroids are at risk for cataracts at an early age.
In the past, surgery was delayed until the cataract became very cloudy. Now, cataract surgery is recommended when visual impairment becomes a problem.
For more information about cataracts, be sure to come to the Center to hear Dr. Patrick Morhun, MD, on Tuesday, April 15th at 12:30.

Medicare Coverage: Medicare Part B covers diet counseling (medical nutrition therapy services) for people with diabetes or renal (kidney) disease. You will need a referral from your doctor to a registered dietitian or nutrition professional. After you have met your $100 deductible for the calendar year, Medicare will pay 80% and you will pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount.
What is covered: A total of 3 hours of nutrition education the first year you receive services and 2 hours each year after that.

• Diabetes self-management training and education classes.
  
• Foot exams, by a podiatrist or other foot care specialist, every 6 months if you have diabetes-related nerve damage in either of your feet.
  
• Special eye exams to check for diabetic eye disease and glaucoma.
  
• Diabetic supplies including: glucose monitor, lancets, lancet holders, test strips and glucose control solutions.
  

"You have diabetes."  These words can be discouraging. They can make you feel shock, anger, fear, sadness and guilt all at the same time. You may fear that having diabetes means the start of a gradual slide into poor health. You may feel overwhelmed when you hear all of the things you must do:

• Lose weight.
  
• Start exercising or exercise more.
  
• Stop smoking
  
• Reduce stress.
  
• Control your diet.
  
• Take pills or inject yourself with insulin.