A most common cause behind loss of vision among people above 40 years of age, cataract is characterised by clouded eye lens which is situated behind the iris and the pupil of the eye. Our eye lens within the eye works similar to a camera lens by focusing light on the retina so as to obtain a clear image. It also adjusts the focus of our eye to see objects which are close and far from our vision. This highly efficient lens is particularly made up of water and proteins, arranged in such a way that it is clear and allows efficient passing of light through it. However, with passing age, these proteins tend to clump together and begin clouding small areas of the lens which eventually grow larger to cloud more part of the lens, making normal vision challenging.
What can cause the clouding of vision?
While it is a debatable topic on how and why the eye's lens
changes as one age to form cataracts, there are many factors
which have been identified as potential causal factors with
a certain level of association to its development. Thus,
besides an advancing age, cataract can also result from,
??? Frequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiations from
sunlight or other sources
??? Lifestyle conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension
??? Addictions such as smoking, alcoholism
??? Eye injuries or any type of inflammation
??? Certain long term medications
??? Hormone replacement therapies
??? Family History
Symptoms of Cataract
The most common symptom of cataract is blurred or cloudy
vision along with it you may also experience,
??? Viewing of colours in faded shades
???Sunlight, lamps, headlights, may tend to appear too bright
??? Appearance of halo around lights
???Poor and blurred night vision
As cataract starts getting larger, one may also experience double or multiple images in the affected eye. Frequent changes in prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses magnifies. While these are some of the symptoms seen in case of cataract, there might be other eye problems that need an eye care professional's assistance for a reliable confirmation.
Cataract Types
Though much related to ageing, cataract has
different types which are characterised on the
basis of its development.
-Secondary Cataract
Formed after surgeries conducted due to other eye
problems, this type can also develop in individuals
suffering from diabetes.
-Congenital Cataract
This type is mostly seen in babies where majority cases
are born with it or develop in childhood. It's found to affect
the child's eyes, with no considerable effect on vision.
-Traumatic Cataract
Develops due to eye injuries.
- Radiation Cataract
Develops due to over exposure to certain radiations.
How to detect cataract?
Detection of cataract is purely done through a comprehensive
examination of the affected eye. This majorly includes,
??? Visual test, wherein the individual is asked to read an
eye chart to analyse how well one can see at varying
distances.
??? Through Dilated eye examination wherein eye drops are
used to widen/dilate the pupils. The professional then
examines the lens to check for any signs of damage
to the retina.
??? Use of Tonometer helps in mea suring the pressure within the eye
Treatment of cataract
When the symptoms start appearing, one may confuse
it with other problems of eye like requirement of improving vision
aiding spectacles. However, once cataract is detected, surgical
removal of the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial
intraocular lens is the best treatment. Moreover, cataract
surgery are highly successful in restoring vision, thereby
also decreasing the chances of any further damage that
may occur in the eye and its other parts.
