Understanding Cataracts: A Cloudy Vision
A cataract is a condition where the natural clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision. The lens is made up of proteins that keep it transparent, allowing light to pass through to the retina. However, as we age, these proteins can break down, making the lens translucent or opaque.
Risk Factors for Cataracts
While cataracts can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk:
– Smoking
– Exposure to pollution
– Excessive alcohol consumption
– Family history of cataracts
– Diabetes
– Steroid use
– Previous eye surgery
– Radiation treatment to the upper body
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts often develop slowly, and symptoms may not appear until the condition is advanced. Common symptoms include:
– Cloudy, blurry, or foggy vision
– Sensitivity to bright lights
– Halos around light sources
– Sudden near-sightedness
– Double vision
– Difficulty reading in poor light
– Changes in color perception
Types of Cataracts
There are several types of cataracts, including:
– Nuclear cataracts: cloudy center of the lens
– Cortical cataracts: cloudy wedge-shaped areas around the edges of the nucleus
– Posterior capsular cataract: affects the back of the lens
– Secondary cataract: caused by disease or medication
– Congenital cataract: present at birth or develops within the first year
– Radiation cataract: caused by radiation treatment
– Traumatic cataract: caused by eye injury
Diagnosing Cataracts
A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose cataracts. Tests may include:
– Slit-lamp exam: examines the cornea, iris, lens, and other eye structures
– Retinal exam: examines the lens, retina, and optic nerve
– Refraction and visual acuity test: measures vision sharpness and clarity
Treating Cataracts
Cataracts can only be treated with surgery. The procedure involves:
– Removing the cloudy natural lens
– Replacing it with an artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL)
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts
https://www.healthline.com/health/cataract
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts