Cataract is a common eye infection. Approximately 94 million individuals globally experience significant vision impairment caused by untreated cataracts. According to findings from the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey conducted in India, cataracts are the leading factor behind blindness in individuals aged 50 and above.
These statistics highlight the potential harm of untreated cataracts, a prevalent eye issue. However, delving into ‘what is cataract’ and exploring its treatment becomes crucial. Let’s unravel all the details surrounding it.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract happens when the clear lens in your eye becomes cloudy, like trying to see through a foggy window. Cataracts can make engaging in activities like reading or driving at night challenging. Cataracts usually develop slowly and don’t cause problems initially, but can blur your vision over time. Adults mostly experience this condition. It would help if you consult an ophthalmologist for cataract treatment.
Symptoms of Cataract
The symptoms of cataracts are slow onset. The common signs are:
- Eyesight that seems cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy.
- Difficulty seeing things up close (for older individuals).
- Changes in how you perceive colours.
- Issues driving in the dark (such as glare from headlights).
- Difficulty with glare in daylight.
- Experiencing double vision in one eye.
- Problems with glasses or contacts do not help much.
Causes of Cataract
Let us now look at what causes cataract. As you age, developing cataracts is common. Some experts believe approximately half of individuals will develop a cataract by reaching 60. Here are some causes:
- Smoking
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
- Extended use of steroids and certain medications
- Certain illnesses like diabetes
- Physical injuries
- Radiation therapy
Types of Cataract
Outlined below are the various types of cataracts:
- Nuclear Cataracts: This cataract category develops at the centre of the lens and is the most prevalent type.
- Cortical Cataracts: These form on the outer part of your lens, known as the cortex. They begin as white wedge-shaped patterns, resembling triangles that point towards the centre of your eye. As they enlarge, they disperse light.
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: Posterior subcapsular cataracts are a specific type of cataract that develops at the back of the lens capsule, which is the outer covering of the eye’s lens.
- Congenital Cataracts: Cataracts that are present at or shortly after birth, known as congenital cataracts, occur in only 2 out of every 10,000 births. If cataracts in babies are small or located away from the centre of the lens, they might not require treatment.
- Traumatic Cataracts: Various types of injuries can cause cataracts. A blow to the eye from a ball or injuries from burns, chemicals, or splinters can result in the development of a cataract.
- Radiation Cataract: Cataracts can develop due to radiation therapy used to treat cancer.
- Secondary Cataracts: Cataracts that occur due to diseases or medications are called secondary cataracts.
Risk Factors Associated With Cataract
The risk factors associated with cataracts:
- Ageing
- Alcohol
- Excessive smoking
- Obese tendency
- Hypertension
- Any history of eye injuries
- Anyone in the family has cataracts
- Excessive sun exposure
Diagnosis of Cataract
It is essential to get the cataracts diagnosed at the right time. The doctor performs several tests to detect if it’s a cataract or some other eye condition, the types of the cataracts, and more.
Firstly, your doctor can perform a visual acuity test, assessing your vision clarity by instructing you to read letters at a distance, initially with one eye and then the other. Additionally, they may conduct a glare test and perform a slit lamp test.
The medical professional utilises a specialised microscope with bright light during this process. They inspect the cornea, the transparent outer layer, the iris, and the lens behind it. The lens plays a crucial role in bending light as it enters your eye. They may also conduct a retinal examination.
Treatment of Cataract
Typically, cataract treatment involves surgery, although it may require some time. Early detection of the issue allows temporary vision improvement with new glasses prescription featuring a stronger lens. Using a brighter lamp or magnifying glass can address reading difficulties. Special glasses with anti-glare coating can be beneficial for concerns about glare, especially during night driving. It is crucial to monitor how cataracts affect your vision. If they start to impede daily activities, particularly making driving unsafe, it is advisable to consult your doctor about the possibility of surgery.
How Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
You can take some preventive steps to keep this disease at bay:
- Avoid smoking.
- Regularly get your eyes checked.
- Develop a habit of wearing sunglasses.
- Include antioxidants in your diet through fruits and vegetables.
- Ensure that you maintain a healthy diet.
- Manage diabetes and other health conditions effectively.
- Ensure proper hydration for overall eye health.
- Control elevated blood pressure by implementing lifestyle modifications and, if needed, medication.