Cataract

An eye cataract is formed when the clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, reducing the quality and clarity of the image formed on your retina leading to a decrease in vision.

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How does Cataract develop

Cataracts are the result of a loss of transparency of the crystalline lens. The eye lens constitutes a mixture of water and protein, and with age these proteins break down and become yellow.

 

Ageing is one common contributor to cataract development, but there are many other factors that can influence development, including:

• Eye injuries or related surgery

• Excessive exposure to UV sources, including excessive sunlight

• Exposure to radiation from X-rays and cancer treatments

• a family history of cataracts

• Certain diseases, lifestyle choices and medications such as:

• Chronic diseases (including diabetes, obesity, etc.)

• Steroids

• Smoking

• Stress and hypertension

• Genetic inheritance

• High myopia

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Types of Cataracts

There are different types of cataracts. They’re classified based on where and how they develop in the eye.

• Nuclear cataracts are formed in the middle of the lens and cause the nucleus, or the center, to become yellow or brown. They are Age-related cataracts which are likely to appear and grow as we age.

• Congenital cataract: Cataracts, which are present at birth or during a baby’s first year can develop as a result of the inadequate development of babies in the womb

• Subcapsular cataract (secondary): Subcapsular cataracts are caused by disease or medications. It can develop due to other medical conditions. Eyes that come into contact with toxic substances, UV rays, radiation and drugs used to treat chronic diseases (such as diabetes) are vulnerable to subcapsular cataracts

• Traumatic cataract is the result of an injury to the eye. It is always recommended to use specially designed eyewear when in contact with UV rays, gadgets and high-power tools that can cause injury to the eyes.

• Cortical cataracts are wedge-shaped and form around the edges of the nucleus.

• Posterior capsular cataracts form faster than the other two types and affect the back of the lens.

• Radiation cataracts can form after a person undergoes radiation treatment for cancer.

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Symptoms & Common signs

When cataracts are mild (early stage), there might not be any symptoms which can be noticed. But as the cataracts grow, it can cause changes in the vision.

The foggy cloud covering the lens may be the only indicator of a cataract at this stage. After this stage, a common symptom of cataracts is blurred vision. If we wear glasses, we may have a feeling that the glasses have not been properly cleaned, even just after cleaning them. Other symptoms may include glare problems and double vision.

Cataract symptoms include:

• Blurred or clouded vision

• Less bright vision

• Decreased vision at night

• Sensitivity to light

• Needing brighter lights to read and perform other tasks

• “Halos” around the eyes

• Frequent variations in eyesight

• Fading of colours

• Double vision

• Difficulty seeing details from a distance or while reading

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Diagnosing Cataract

To determine whether an individual have cataract, the eye doctor will likely dilate the pupils with medication and examine the eyes. Doctor will review the medical history and symptoms and may conduct the following tests, including:

• Visual acuity test - A visual acuity test uses an eye chart to measure how well we can read a series of letters. The eyes are tested one at a time, while the other eye is covered. Using a viewing device with progressively smaller letters, the eye doctor determines if we have 20/20 vision or if the vision shows signs of impairment.

• Slit-lamp examination - A slit lamp allows the eye doctor to see the structures at the front of the eye under magnification. The microscope is called a slit lamp because it uses an intense line of light, a slit, to illuminate the cornea, iris, lens, and the space between the iris and cornea. The slit allows the doctor to view these structures in small sections, which makes it easier to detect any tiny abnormalities.

• Retinal exam - To prepare for a retinal exam, the eye doctor puts drops in the eyes to open the pupils wide (dilate). This makes it easier to examine the back of the eyes (retina). Using a slit lamp or a special device called an ophthalmoscope, the eye doctor can examine the lens for signs of a cataract.

• Applanation tonometry - This test measures fluid pressure in the eye. There are multiple different devices available to do this.

Using the test results, the doctor of optometry can determine if the person have cataracts and advise them about the treatment options.

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Cataract treatment

Cataract treatment is based on the level of visual impairment they cause. If a cataract minimally affects vision, or not at all, no treatment may be needed.

When a cataract progresses to the point that it affects a person's ability to do normal everyday tasks, surgery may be needed. Cataract surgery involves removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. The artificial lens requires no care and can significantly improve vision. Some artificial lenses have the natural focusing ability of a young healthy lens. Once a cataract is removed, it cannot grow back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two approaches to cataract surgery are generally used:

• Phacoemulsification cataract surgery - Phacoemulsification is the most common procedure for cataracts. The ophthalmologist makes a small opening in the eye to reach the clouded lens. Using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) or a laser, ophthalmologist breaks the lens into pieces. Then the doctor suctions lens fragments from the eye and puts in a new plastic lens.

• Extracapsular surgery requires a somewhat larger incision in the cornea so that the lens core can be removed in one piece. The natural lens is replaced by a clear plastic lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Cataract surgery is generally safe, but it carries a risk of infection and bleeding. Cataract surgery, also slightly increases the risk of retinal detachment.

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Preventing Cataract

Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in the world. There are a number of health and lifestyle measures which may reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

Most of these recommendations are based on factors that are known or suspected to contribute to cataracts, rather than strong evidence that they can prevent the disorder.

• Protect Your Eyes from Harmful Ultraviolet Rays

• See an Eye Doctor regularly to know the Cataract status

• Manage Health Problems that may fuel the development of Cataracts

• Quit Smoking

• Don’t Drink Alcohol in Excess

• Follow a Healthy Diet High in Plant Foods