Cataract is one of the most common eye diseases that develop due to the usually clear lens of the eye becoming foggy. It ultimately affects both the eyes however could become more apparent in a single eye at the onset. Vision blurring arises as a result of lesser amount of light passage via the clouded lens. Cataract is initially small and might not have an effect on eyesight. But when the cataract grows denser, the extent of eyesight being affected is also greater.
Majority of the cataract cases arise as a result of aging. Other reasons comprise of:
- In case the person is diabetic.
- Some form of traumatic episode or harm to the eyes. Cataract could additionally develop following an eye surgery done for some other condition.
- Inheritance or gestation-associated reasons (innate presence of cataracts among babies delivered or cataract developing during infancy).
- Eyes being overly exposed to harmful UV or ultraviolet rays of the sun.
- Those who smoke.
- Intake of particular medicines.
Cataract Risk Factors
- The risk is directly proportional to age.
- Environment-related risk factor like being over-exposed to sun’s rays.
- Lifestyle factors inclusive of those who smoke or drink alcohol.
- Particular conditions inclusive of diabetes.
Cataract Symptoms:
Blurry eyesight or clouded eyesight.- Fading colors.
- Greater glaring experienced from light sources like the sun, lamp or headlight.
- Lowered night time vision.
- Several images developing in one eye or dual vision.
- Frequently needed prescription alterations for eyeglass or contact lens.
Treatment
In preliminary stage of cataract, the treatment would involve:
- New-fangled eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Use of more intense illumination.
- Use of magnifying lens.
- Wear glasses or shades.
In case cataracts are interfering with day-to-day tasks then surgery would be recommended for removing it. Surgery is a widely conducted, safe and highly effectual forms of surgical procedures in the United States for treating common eye diseases like cataracts. Cataract surgery could be postponed till the time it does not start interfering with everyday existence and is not harming the eyes.
In case one opts for surgery then referral to an ophthalmologist would be done. Surgery would involve the eye surgeon removing the foggy lens and replacing it with a man-made or synthetic clear lens. In case cataract surgery would be needed in both the eyes then each eye would be treated at time gap of 1-2 months in separately conducted procedures.
Those who need assistance in appropriate management of low eyesight due to cataract could seek advice from an expert in low eyesight.
Cataract Prevention
An individual could help postpone the onset of one of the most common eye diseases, cataracts by:
- Steering clear from being overly exposed to the sun’s rays. Wearing glasses or shades that have UV-protection and a broad-rimmed head gear, cap or hat.
- Increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods, particularly green leafy veggies.
- In case one is over forty years of age or more, then getting a total eye examination done in every 2-yearly time interval for catching any eye conditions earlier on.
Read more at : 4 Common Eye Diseases – Part I
