What is a Cataract?
Cataract is a condition in which a clouding layer develops in the eye’s natural crystalline lens, which is found behind the iris. It is the highest cause of vision loss for populations over the age of 40.
What are the different types of Cataract?
- Subcapsular Cataract – It forms behind the lens, and it’s common among people who are taking steroid medications or suffer from diabetes.
- Nuclear Cataract – It occurs in the nucleus of the lens, and it naturally develops with aging.
- Cortical Cataract – It begins at the edges of the lens, progressing to the nucleus, having a white wedge-like opaque appearance.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts start out small with little effect on eyesight. With time, you may notice gradual blurring and a reduction in contrast sensitivity. It can make the light from the sun too glaring. You may also notice that oncoming headlights at night are becoming more glaring than usual.
Some colours might not look as bright as they should. The symptoms of cataract will largely depend on its type. The nuclear type is the most surprising of all since it can bring short-lived improvement to the near vision.
Causes of Cataracts
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. The eye lens functions as the camera lens and focuses light on the retina. It adjusts the eye focus for clear vision of near and distant objects.
Lenses are made of water and protein. As one ages, the protein may clump together and form a cloud on a small section of the lens. The small section may grow larger over time, making it harder to see clearly.
In addition to age, other risk factors that can cause cataract include:
- UV light
- Smoking
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Eye injury or inflammation
- Previous eye surgery
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Obesity
- High myopia
- Hypertension
Cataract Prevention
Despite controversies about cataract prevention, studies suggest that nutritional supplements may decrease the risk of developing them. Some of the nutrients suggested include vitamin E, zeaxanthin, and lutein. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce the risk of developing this eye condition.
Extended exposure to Ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA or UVB causes changes in the pigment and often results in the formation of cataracts. This is of major concern in tropical areas where there are high levels of UV exposure throughout the year. It is important for people in such areas to wear sunglasses with high levels of UVA/UVB filtration to reduce the risk of cataract formation.
A thorough, comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist can help find out if there cataract is developing. They can develop fast in a short period or slowly over the years. At the early onset of cataracts, your Toronto optometrist may prescribe eyeglasses for sharper and improved vision.
At a certain stage cataract becomes visually significant, and replacement of spectacle lenses will not help improve vision. At that point, the cataract surgery is considered as an option. You may have to be referred to a cataract ophthalmologist for surgery. In most cases, patients’ vision returns to normal after the surgery.
Your optometrist will also provide postoperative care after your cataract surgery. If you are due for your eye exam or suspect you might be developing vision loss, call us today to book your appointment or send us an email. For those searching for trusted care, finding an Eye Doctor Near Me is often the first step toward proper diagnosis and treatment of cataracts.
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