The clouding of the natural lens of the eye is known as a cataract. When there is a build-up of protein in the lens of the eye, the lens gets cloudy and is not able to let the light pass clearly through it. The vision, therefore, gets blurred. Cloudy and blurry vision because of cataract is a very common condition in adults in the age group above 60. Cataracts develop slowly and over a period of time. They can develop in both eyes.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of cataracts are:
- Blurred, cloudy or dim vision
- Sensitivity to glare and light
- Double vision in a single eye
- Difficulty with vision at night
- Frequent change in prescription glasses
- Seeing halos around lights
- Colors seem faded
Causes
The lens of the eye works like the lens of the camera. It focuses the light on the retina for a clear vision. The lens is made up of protein and water and the protein is arranged in such a specific way that it allows light to pass through it. But as one becomes old, or due to some other factors, this protein may clump together and starts to cloud the lens and form cataracts. The main factors that cause cataracts are:
- Advanced age
- Injury to the eye
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Previous eye surgery
- Long-term use of steroid medication
Types of cataracts
- Nuclear cataracts: These are cataracts that affect the center of the lens.
- Cortical cataracts: These are cataracts that affect the edges of the lens.
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts: These are cataracts that affect the back of the lens.
- Congenital cataracts: These are cataracts that one is born with or develops early in childhood.
Treatment
The treatment option for cataracts is surgery. When the initial symptoms start to show, vision can be improved by getting new prescription glasses, magnification, better lighting, and stronger bifocal lenses. But when cataracts progress to the extent where daily activities are difficult to carry out, then surgery is performed. Surgeries to remove cataracts are very successful and also very safe. The patient is in most cases discharged the same day as the surgery is conducted. The types of surgeries used for cataracts are small-incision surgery, large-incision surgery, and femtosecond laser surgery.
Cataracts may not be preventable but certain strategies may help in delaying them. These are regular eye check-ups, quitting smoking, managing the other health conditions well, wearing sunglasses, and eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
