Cataracts

 

 

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.

Seeing through hazy lenses is similar to looking through a fogged-up or frosted glass for those who have cataracts.

Cataract-related visual impairments can make it harder to read, drive at night, or read a friend's expression.

 

The majority of cataracts progress slowly and don't initially impair vision. However, vision loss due to cataracts will eventually occur.

Initially, better lighting and eyewear can aid with the treatment of cataracts. But cataract surgery may be required if visual impairment interferes with daily activities. Thankfully, cataract surgery is typically a safe and successful treatment.

 

Symptoms
·         vision clouds, blurs, or dims.
·         Difficulty seeing at night.
·         Sensitive to glare and light.

·         More light is required for activities like reading.
·         Observing "halos" around lights.
·         Regular adjustments to the prescription for contacts or glasses.
·         Color fading or yellowing.
·         Seeing one object in two objects.
 

The portion of the eye's lens that is first affected by the clouding of your vision due to a cataract may be very small. Maybe you won't notice any loss of vision. A bigger cataract will cloud a larger portion of your lens. Increased clouding modifies the light that enters the lens. This may lead to symptoms you notice more.

 

Causes and Risk factors

Most cataracts arise from changes in the tissue that makes up the lens of the eye brought on by aging or trauma. The lens's fibers and proteins start to degrade. This causes eyesight to become foggy or cloudy.

Your chance of developing cataracts may be heightened by certain genetic disorders that are inherited and lead to other health issues. In addition, previous eye surgery, other eye disorders, and medical illnesses like diabetes can all contribute to cataract development. Long-term steroid medication use may potentially result in cataract development.

 

The following are some factors that raise your risk of cataracts:

ü  Getting older.
ü  Diabetes.
ü  Exposure of an excessive amount of sunshine.
ü  Smoking.
ü  Being overweight.
ü  Cataract history in the family.
ü  Prior inflammation or injury to the eyes.
ü  Prior ocular surgery.
ü  Prolonged usage of drugs containing corticosteroids.

ü  Over consumption of alcohol.

Prevention
There is currently no evidence on how to stop or delay the progression of cataracts. However, medical experts believe that a number of tactics could be beneficial, such as:

 
      ·     Routine examinations of the eyes. Early detection of cataracts and other eye conditions can be facilitated by eye exams. Find out from your medical staff how frequently you should get your eyes examined.
·         Avoid smoking. Consult a member of your medical team for advice on quitting smoking.
          ·      Manage other medical issues. If you have diabetes or other illnesses that can raise your risk of cataracts, adhere to your treatment plan.
          ·  Pick a nutritious diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. You may be sure you're getting plenty of vitamins and nutrients by include fruits and veggies in your diet. Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants. Antioxidants support the upkeep of your eyes' health.
         ·     Wearing protective eyeglasses. Cataracts may be brought on by the sun's ultraviolet radiation. When you're outside, put on sunglasses that block ultraviolet B rays.

·         Avoiding alcohol consumption. The risk of cataracts can rise with excessive alcohol consumption.

 

Diagnosis

Your medical history and symptoms will be examined by your eye doctor to establish whether you have a cataract. They will examine your eyes as well. Your physician may do a number of tests, such as:

Ø    Vision examination. A vision test, also known as a visual acuity exam, measures your ability to read a set of letters using an eye chart. While the other eye is covered, one eye is checked at a time. One uses a chart or a viewing device with progressively smaller lettering. Your eye doctor uses this to assess if you have 20/20 vision or whether you have visual difficulties.

 

Ø    Eye structure exam: Also known as a slit lamp, an eye structure exam enables your ophthalmologist to perform a close-up examination of the structures in your frontal region of vision. The term "slit lamp" refers to the method of lighting these structures with a strong, focused line of light called a slit that makes it possible for your ophthalmologist to view the structures in small sections, which facilitates the detection of potential problems.

 

Ø  Test of pressure. This test gauges the fluid pressure in your eye and is also known as applanation tonometry. To do this, a variety of gadgets are available.

 

 

Treatment

The only proven way to repair cataracts when your prescription glasses aren't clearing your vision is through surgery.

 

Consult your eye doctor to see if surgery is the best course of action for you. When your cataracts start to hinder your quality of life, the majority of eye physicians advise you to think about having cataract surgery. Your capacity to carry out regular tasks, including reading or driving at night, may fall under this category.

 

The recovery of your vision from cataract surgery is usually unaffected by waiting to have it done. Talk with your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of cataract surgery.

In the event that you decide against having cataract surgery right away, your eye doctor could advise routine follow-up examinations to monitor the progression of your cataracts. Your circumstances will determine how frequently you see your eye doctor.