What you need to know about Cataract

What is a Cataract?

Cataracts are an eye condition in which the eye’s natural lens becomes clouded, leading to blurry vision. This condition mainly occurs in older adults. When this condition occurs, vision becomes like looking through a fogged-up window. The condition affects one’s ability to read, drive a car, or read facial expressions.

The natural lens works to refract light that enters the eye. For normal vision, the lens should be completely clear. However, as one ages, cataracts begin developing. They develop slowly, over a long period of time. At first, they are not noticeable. However, as they continue to develop, they start affecting one’s vision.

So, what exactly causes cataracts? Cataracts occur as a result of protein build-up in the natural lens in the eye. This build-up prevents the clear passage of light into the eye.

Symptoms of Cataract

People suffering from cataracts experience various symptoms. These include:

• Cloudy, filmy, foggy, or blurry vision.

• Sensitivity to glare.

• Yellowing of colors.

• Seeing “halos” when looking at light sources.

• Difficulty in seeing at night.

• Difficulty driving at night.

• Double vision in one eye.

Types of Cataracts

1. Secondary cataracts: There is a risk of developing cataracts following eye surgery to treat another eye problem, such as glaucoma. Cataracts may also occur in people with certain health conditions like diabetes. Steroid use has also been linked to cataracts.

2. Congenital cataracts: This is a scenario in which babies are born with cataracts or develop them earlier in life in childhood. These cataracts do not affect vision as they are very small. If vision is affected, then there is a need to remove the lenses. Congenital cataracts are caused by injury, infection, or poor development of the child in the womb.

3. Traumatic cataracts: These develop as a result of an eye injury.

4. Age-related cataracts: These affect older people and generally form as one grows older.

5. Radiation cataracts: These develop following radiation exposure.

Cataracts are just one of many common vision issues people experience as they age. Understanding how different eye conditions develop, and how they’re treated, can make it easier to protect your sight in the long run. You can explore more about various eye problems and treatment options in Eye Problems and Treatments: Answers to the Most Common Questions.

Prevention of Cataract

There has been a raging debate on whether cataracts can be prevented. Several studies point to the possibility of preventing cataract through nutritional supplements and certain nutrients. In one particular 10-year study, it was proven that intake of larger amounts of lutein, zeaxanthin, and Vitamin E significantly reduced the risk of contracting cataract.

Foods rich in vitamin E include spinach, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. Research has also shown that antioxidant vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of contracting cataracts.

To catch cataracts early and monitor your eye health, regular visits to a trusted optometrist are crucial. If you’re searching for reliable care, finding an optometry near me can help ensure you get timely eye exams and personalized guidance to protect your vision.

Treatment of Cataract

Once one starts experiencing the symptoms of cataract, it is possible to counter the effects with a new pair of glasses, appropriate lighting, magnification, and strong bifocals. If the cataracts have progressed to the point of vision impairment, it is time to consider surgery. Cataract surgery is a simple and painless procedure with immense benefits.

Cataract surgery is a very effective procedure, with 9 in every ten people who undergo the procedure regaining good vision. The surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens and replacing it with another clear plastic lens.

Cataract is a treatable condition. One can also take the measures mentioned above to reduce the risk of developing the same. To ensure that the condition does not develop to the point of causing vision problems, it is recommended to have regular Eye Exams by a Toronto optometrist for early diagnosis.