A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye, which is generally clear. For people with cataracts, seeing through a cloudy lens is like looking through a foggy or frosty window. A majority of cataracts develop slowly and do not disturb the eyesight at an early stage. However, cataracts eventually affect vision.
Symptoms of a Cataract
The symptoms of a cataract include:
Blurred, clouded or dim vision
Trouble seeing at night
Sensitivity to lights or glare
Need for a brighter light for reading and other purposes
Frequent changes in prescription for eyeglass and contact lens
Yellowing or fading of colours
Double vision in one eye
Point to remember: At first, the cloudiness in the vision due to a cataract affects only a small part of the eye’s lens. Initially, the loss of vision may not be noticeable. As the cataract grows, it clouds more of the lenses. This leads to noticeable symptoms.
Cataract Causes
Ageing is one of the most common causes of cataract. This is due to the changes in the eye that take place after the age of 40. This is when normal protein lenses undergo a breakdown. This causes the lens to be cloudy. Other reasons of cataracts may include:
A family history of cataracts
Having medical problems, such as diabetes
Having had an injury in the eye, an eye surgery, radiation treatment on the upper body
Excessive sunlight exposure, especially without sunglasses that protect from UV rays
Medications like corticosteroids that may result in early development of cataracts
Smoking
Note: A majority of age-related cataracts develop slowly. Other cataracts develop quickly, such as in the case of younger people with diabetes.
Cataract Types
Nuclear cataracts (cataracts that affect the centre of the lens): A nuclear cataract initially makes the objects faraway look blurry and the objects up close look clear.
Cortical cataracts (cataracts that affect the edges of the lens): A cortical cataract starts as wedge-shaped, white spots or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex. As it gradually grows, the spots spread to the centre and affect the light passing through the lens.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts (cataracts that affect the back of the lens): This type of cataract begins as a small spot, usually near the back of the lens. In a majority of cases, a posterior subcapsular cataract affects reading vision. This type of cataract grows faster as compared to the other types.
Congenital cataracts (cataracts present since birth): Some individuals are born with cataracts or may develop cataract at a very young age. This type of cataract can be inherited or is associated with a trauma or infection in the womb during pregnancy.
Cataract Risk Factors
The factors that contribute to a greater risk of cataract include:
Diabetes
Increasing age
Exposure to too much sunlight
Obesity
Smoking
Family history of cataract
Previous eye injury or surgery
Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines
Excessive consumption of alcohol.
Cataract Diagnosis
To diagnose cataracts, an ophthalmologist will discuss health history and order an eye examination. The tests done may include:
Visual acuity test: A common eye chart test to help measure vision.
Pupil dilation: During this test, the pupil is dilated or widened with eye drops for an in-depth examination of the retina.
Cataract Treatment
Cataract treatment depends on the symptoms, age, general health and the stage at which the cataract has progressed. In the early stages, loss of vision due to a cataract can be managed with prescribed eyeglasses, a magnifying glass or in some cases, a stronger lighting. When these treatments do not prove to be helpful, surgical treatment of cataract is the most effective.
Surgical treatment of cataract includes:
Small incision cataract surgery
Also known as phacoemulsification, this is the most common type of cataract surgery. During surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision at the edge of the cornea and inserts a tiny probe that emits ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy centre of the lens. The lens is finally removed by suction via a small incision.
Extracapsular surgery
In this type of surgery, a large incision is made in the edge of the cornea in order to remove the centre of the eye lens in one piece. The rest is taken out with the help of suction.
A new and clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is then put into the eye. An IOL surgery offers better eyesight, allowing the light to pass the retina.
Cataract Prevention
Even though there is no proven way to slow the growth of cataracts, some steps can be helpful in preventing it, including:
Regular eye checkups: Eye exams help detect eye problems such as cataract at early stages.
Quit smoking: Consult a healthcare provider about medicines and other strategies to help quit smoking.
Manage health conditions: Follow a treatment plan in case of a diabetes diagnosis or other medical conditions that increase the risk of cataracts.
Opt for a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables ensures the adequate amounts of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to help maintain the health of the eyes.
Reduce alcohol use: Drinking excessive alcohol increases the risk of cataracts.
Wear sunglasses: Ultraviolet rays from the sun may contribute to cataracts. Wear sunglasses at all times when heading outdoors during the day.
FAQs
What is the main cause of cataracts?
Most cataracts form as a result of ageing or injury that alters the tissue of the eye's lens. In cataracts, fibres and proteins in the lens start to break down, causing vision to become cloudy or hazy.
What are the three main symptoms of a cataract?
The three main symptoms of a cataract are:
Double vision
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
How to stop cataracts from growing?
In order to keep cataracts from getting worse, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays of the sun, avoid using steroid eye drops and live a healthy lifestyle.
Is surgical treatment of cataract painful?
A majority of people feel little or no pain during or after a cataract surgery. A topical anaesthetic is used to numb the eye during surgery and shortly after the surgery; the eye feels slightly tender or gritty. An over-the-counter medicine for pain should help improve this.
