Cataract – Cause, Risk factors, Symptoms, and Treatment
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the clear lens of the eye. It can disrupt normal vision depending on its degree and location.
Cataracts are most common in people over the age of 55, but they can occur at any age including infants and young children. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but sometimes they may be present in only one eye or can occur to varying extent in both eyes.
Causes & risk factors
The majority of cataracts are caused by age-related changes in the eye’s lens, which cause it to become cloudy or opaque. Cataracts are rarely present at birth or in childhood. They can be inherited or can develop as a result of a maternal infection (such as rubella) during pregnancy. Other factors, also, can contribute to cataract development, such as:
Diabetes– Diabetics are more likely to develop cataracts
Drugs– Certain medications such as corticosteroids mainly oral and inhalational have been linked to the development of cataracts.
Ultraviolet light– According to research, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been linked to an increased risk of cataract formation as with farmers and fishermen.
Smoking– Perhaps there is a link between smoking and increased lens cloudiness.
Alcohol– Several studies have found that patients who consume more alcohol have early cataract onset than those who consume less or no alcohol.
Previous eye injuries- A cataract can also develop as a result of an eye injury or surgery for another eye condition, such as retinal diseases.
Nutritional deficiency– Although the evidence is inconclusive, studies suggest a link between cataract formation and low antioxidant levels (for example, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids).
Family History– If a close relative has had cataract, you are more likely to develop one yourself.
Symptoms
You may not notice any changes in your vision in the early stages of the disease. Because cataracts grow slowly, your vision will become worse gradually.
The following are the most common cataract symptoms. However, symptoms do differ from individual to individual.
- cloudy or blurry vision
- inadequate night vision
- observing a halo (glare) around lights, particularly when looking at headlights at night
- in a few cases, the affected eye has double vision
- observing a color fade
- a brighter reading light is required
- sensitivity to sunlight and bright lights is increasing
- changing glass prescriptions on a frequent basis
Cataract symptoms can be confused with those of other eye conditions. Please consult your ophthalmologist for a diagnosis.
Treatment
cataract only has a minor impact on vision, patients may be advised to keep an eye out for any increased visual symptoms and to maintain a regular check-up schedule.
Changing your eyeglass prescription may provide temporary vision improvement in some cases. Furthermore, anti-glare coatings on eyeglass lenses can help reduce glare while driving at night. It may be beneficial to increase the amount of light used when reading.
When a cataract progresses to the point where it interferes with a person’s ability to perform normal daily tasks, surgery may be required.
Prevention
To lower your chances of developing cataracts, do the following:
- wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from UV-B rays.
- do regular eye exams
- quit smoking
- consume antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
- control diabetes and other medical conditions