Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects a large number of people as they age. This guide is here to help you learn all you need to know about cataracts.
What are Cataracts?
Caused by a build-up of protein in the lens, cataracts cause the lenses of your eyes to become increasingly cloudy over time. The natural lenses in your eyes refract light rays onto the retina; to be able to do this properly, these lenses need to be clear. When a person has cataracts, the cloudiness within the lenses means that light is unable to pass through the lens properly. This causes your vision to become hazy, less colorful, and blurrier. If left untreated, cataracts can cause a person to lose some or all of their vision.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
The earlier you spot the development of cataracts, the sooner you can start receiving treatment. However, unless you know the signs, it can be difficult to spot the development of cataracts until they are having a significant impact on your vision. Symptoms of cataracts include:
- Near-sightedness
- Double vision
- Experiencing problems with glare during the day or while driving at night
- Blurry, foggy, or cloudy vision
- Changes in the way that you see colors.
The Different Types of Cataracts
There are a few different types of cataracts, these include:
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Congenital Cataracts
These are usually caused by issues with development in the womb or injury or infection of the fetus. This can cause some babies to be born with cataracts or develop cataracts over time.
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Age-Related
As the name suggests, these cataracts develop as a person grows older; this form usually worsens slowly over time.
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Secondary
Secondary cataracts are caused by other health conditions such as diabetes or other causes like medication or exposure to toxic substances.
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Traumatic
This is a form of cataract that develops as a result of an eye injury.
Getting Treated for Cataracts
If you believe that you have any cataract symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as you can. To receive a diagnosis, your doctor will interview you about the symptoms you are experiencing and then will perform several tests. These tests will likely include a retinal exam, a visual acuity test, and a slit-lamp test.
Once you have received a diagnosis of cataracts, then you can begin to receive treatment. If your cataracts are still in the early stages, you might only need to begin wearing prescription glasses. However, at some point, you will likely need to have cataract surgery. This involves having a doctor remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a cataract lens implant. This is a very common procedure that only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will be awake for the whole surgery but won’t feel any pain because you will be under local anesthesia.
How to Reduce the Risks of Developing Cataracts
Although there is no one definite solution for preventing cataracts, doctors believe you can reduce your risks by improving your diet. Research has found that increasing your intake of antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin E and vitamin C, can prevent cataracts. You should also try to increase the number of fruits, vegetables, and fish in your diet.
