Cataracts

What Are Cataracts?

 

Cataracts directly affect vision by causing light to scatter as it enters the eye. This means that it is impossible to place a sharp image on the retina because as the light passes through the cataract inside the lens of the eye, the light gets scattered and causes a blur in vision.


What Are The Symptoms?


Symptoms include:

      • Clouded, blurred or dim vision.

      • Trouble seeing at night.

      • Sensitivity to light and glare.

      • Need for brighter light for reading and other activities.

      • Seeing “halos” around lights.

      • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

      • Fading or yellowing of colors.

      • Double vision in one eye.

    People with cataracts may feel as though they are looking though a frosted or fogged up window. This clouded vision can make it difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see details of expression on people’s faces and seeing halos around lights.


    What Causes Cataracts?


        • Aging: The proteins in the lens of your eye naturally start to break down after age 40. 

        • Family history: You may be more likely to get cataracts if a close relative has them. 

        • Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause changes in the eye that lead to cataracts. 

        • Eye injuries: While rare, injuries can cause cataracts, especially in children. 

        • Medications: Long-term use of steroids, some diuretics, and some tranquilizers can increase your risk. 

        • Radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, tanning booths, or sun lamps can cause cataracts. 

        • Other eye conditions: Cataracts can be caused by other eye conditions like glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment, and long-term uveitis. 

        • Infections: Infections caught by the mother during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital cataracts.

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      Cataracts develop slowly but will eventually impair vision. They generally occur in both eyes, but not evenly.

      If you suffer from diabetes ensure you have good control over your blood sugar levels. An annual optometrist examination by your optometrist is of paramount importance in order to detect any changes in your eyes and highly recommended as this is standard of care proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).


      How Is It Treated?


      Cataracts are quick and easy to remove these day. It requires a simple 15 minutes out-patient procedure, without stitches. So if the cataracts have progressed quickly it could be worth having them removed.