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​What is Cataract?

A cataract is a common eye condition where the natural lens, located behind the iris, becomes cloudy. The natural lens is normally transparent and works like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When a cataract forms, it scatters light, preventing it from focusing properly. This leads to symptoms such as blurred or hazy vision, glare, and a general loss of clarity.​​

Cataract Symptoms

Symptoms of cataracts usually develop gradually and can affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms include:

  • Blurred or Cloudy Vision: A feeling of looking through a dusty or foggy window.

  • Increased Light Sensitivity and Glare: Halos around lights, especially at night, or discomfort in bright sunlight.

  • Fading or Yellowing of Colors: Colors may appear less vibrant or have a yellowish tint.

  • Poor Night Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly while driving at night.

  • Frequent Changes in Eyewear Prescription: Your prescription may need to be updated more often than usual.

  • Double Vision: Seeing two images with one eye.

What Causes Cataracts?

The primary cause of cataracts is the natural aging process (age-related cataracts). As we get older, proteins within the lens break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. While this is the most common cause, other factors can accelerate the development of cataracts:

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the lens.

  • Prolonged UV Light Exposure: Unprotected exposure to sunlight can contribute to cataract formation.

  • Smoking: Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of developing cataracts.

  • Certain Medications: Long-term use of steroids is a known risk factor.

  • Eye Injuries or Inflammation: Trauma or inflammation of the eye can cause cataracts to form.

  • Genetic Factors: In some cases, a predisposition to cataracts can be inherited.

 

How Common Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are an extremely common condition, particularly in older adults. Globally, they are the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. It is estimated that by the age of 80, nearly 100% of people will have developed a cataract.

When Do Cataracts Become a Problem?

Cataracts become a problem when they begin to interfere with a person's daily activities, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Initially, a change in glasses or contacts might help. However, as the cataract progresses, vision can become significantly impaired, and surgery is often the only effective solution to restore clarity.

Types of Cataracts

Cataracts are clinically classified based on their location:

  • Nuclear Cataracts: The most common type, forming in the center of the lens. They are often associated with aging.

  • Cortical Cataracts: Form in the outer layer of the lens, often appearing as wedge-shaped opacities.

  • Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: Develop at the back of the lens, often progressing more quickly than other types. They can be associated with steroid use or diabetes.

Cataract Diagnosis

Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The examination typically includes:

  • Visual Acuity Test: To measure how well you see at various distances.

  • Slit-Lamp Examination: A detailed microscopic inspection of the front of the eye, allowing the doctor to see the location and density of the cataract.

  • Dilated Eye Exam: Eye drops are used to dilate the pupil, providing a clear view of the entire lens and retina.

Cataract Treatment

  • Cataract Prevention

    • While there is no proven method to completely prevent cataracts, certain lifestyle choices may help slow their progression:

      • Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays.

      • Quitting smoking.

      • Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes.

      • Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants.

      • Eye Drops: Some eye drops containing antioxidants or other compounds are used for cataract prevention. However, their efficacy is still a subject of ongoing research from a medical perspective and is not a definitive method of prevention.

  • Cataract Surgery

    • Cataract surgery is a well-established treatment to restore vision lost due to cataracts. It is a highly safe and common outpatient procedure. During the surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens (IOL). This procedure not only corrects the cataract but can also be used to correct pre-existing refractive errors with advanced IOLs.

Cataract Prevention
Cataract Surgery
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