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Cataract: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
In
June,
Cataract
Awareness
Month
is
observed
to
raise
awareness
among
the
general
public
that
early
detection
and
treatment
of
cataracts
is
important
in
preserving
eyesight.
Globally,
cataract
is
one
of
the
most
common
causes
of
vision
loss
contributing
47.8
per
cent
of
blindness
which
represents
about
17.7
million
blind
people,
as
per
the
World
Health
Organisation
(WHO).
In
India,
cataract
is
responsible
for
causing
80
per
cent
of
blindness
[1].
What Is Cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy area that forms in the natural lens of the eye. The lens situated behind the iris (coloured part of the eye) bends (refracts) light rays that come into the eye, producing sharp, clear images on the retina that helps us to see clearly. If you have a cataract, your lens becomes cloudy and your vision becomes blurry or hazy.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ageing is the most common cause of cataracts and it usually affects older adults aged above 40 years.
What Causes Cataracts?
• Genetic - Family history of cataracts can increase the risk of you developing a cataract [2].
• Protein breakdown - As you age, the protein in the lens undergo various changes and these changes increase in the presence of oxidative, osmotic or other stresses which have been linked to cataract formation [2].
• Diabetes - Increase in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels raises the risk of nuclear and cortical cataracts [3].
• Gender - Women have a higher risk of developing cataract than men [4]
• Smoking - Cigarette smoking increases the risk of nuclear cataracts [5].
• Ultraviolet radiation - Exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, both UV A and UV B elevates the risk of cataract formation [6].
• Trauma - A blunt or penetrating eye trauma injury or a foreign object entering the eye causes cataracts.
Other causes of cataracts are malnutrition, poor living conditions, eye surgery and long-term use of certain medications such as steroids.
11 Best Home Remedies For Cataract
Types Of Cataracts
1. Nuclear cataract - It forms in the lens nucleus (centre of the lens) and affects the ability to see distant objects. As this type of cataract progresses slowly, the lens of the eye becomes yellow and cloudy.
2. Cortical cataract - This type of cataract affects the edges of the lens and it starts as a whitish, wedge-shaped streak on the outer edge of the lens.
3. Posterior subcapsular cataract -This type of cataract is most commonly seen in younger people. Posterior subcapsular cataract affects the back of the lens and it interferes with the ability of the eye to focus on near objects [7].
As a person ages, any one type or a combination of these types of cataracts can develop over time.
Symptoms Of Cataracts
•
Blurred,
cloudy
or
dim
vision
•
Increased
sensitivity
to
light
•
Seeing
colours
that
look
faded
•
Trouble
seeing
at
night
•
Frequent
changes
in
eyeglasses
•
Double
vision
Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis And Treatment
Risk Factors Of Cataracts
•
Increase
in
age
•
Smoking
•
Diabetes
•
Exposure
to
UV
rays
•
Previous
eye
injury
•
Family
history
of
cataracts
•
Obesity
[8]
•
Drinking
excessive
alcohol
•
High
blood
pressure
[9]
Diagnosis Of Cataracts
The ophthalmologist will first ask you about your symptoms and your medical history. Then eye tests such as slit lamp examination, visual acuity test and retinal exam are performed to diagnose cataracts.
Treatment Of Cataracts
• Eye glasses - A new prescription of eye glasses is given to you to help you see clearly if cataract is detected early.
• Cataract surgery - It is the most effective treatment for cataracts. The surgery is done by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens called the intraocular lens. This intraocular lens is placed in the same place as your natural lens, which remains as a permanent part of your eye. According to the National Eye Institute, cataract surgery is safe and nine out of ten people who undergo this surgery can see clearly afterwards.
Prevention Of Cataracts
•
Wear
sunglasses
to
protect
your
eyes
from
the
sun's
glares.
•
Quit
smoking.
•
Maintain
a
healthy
weight.
•
Eat
fruits
and
vegetables
rich
in
antioxidants.
•
Use
bright
lamps
at
home
or
work.
•
Keep
your
medical
conditions
in
check
if
you
have
any.
•
Go
for
regular
eye
check-ups.
Common
FAQs
Q. How fast do cataracts grow?
A. Most age-related cataracts can progress slowly over a period of years.
Q. What happens if cataracts are left untreated?
A. If cataracts are left untreated, they will continue to worsen over time and may lead to total blindness.
Q. How painful is cataract surgery?
A. Cataract surgery isn't painful. A topical anaesthesia is used to numb the eye.
Q. Is it better to have cataract surgery early?
A. Yes, it is safer to remove a cataract sooner because if the cataract progresses, it can be difficult to remove.
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