CATARACT
A cataract is the clouding of the naturally clear lens of the eyes that gradually degrade vision quality.
- Most cataracts develop gradually with an undisturbed change in vision. People are often unaware that they have cataracts because the change in their vision is always so gradual.
- As the cataract grows larger, more lens is clouded and the cataract will eventually disrupt vision. I.e. the cloudier the lens, the worse vision gets.
- Cataracts generally affect both eyes, but not evenly. The cataract in one eye may be advanced than the other causing a visual difference between the two eyes
- Poor vision characterized by cataract can lead to difficulty reading, driving at night, participating in sports such as golfing, falling as well as depression.
- Types of cataract may include nuclear, cortical, and posterior subscapular cataracts.
- A nuclear cataract forms deep in the middle of the lens and gradually causes the center to become yellow or brown. This further clouds the vision and is the most common type.
- A cortical cataract is characterized by a whitish, wedge-shaped streak and forms around the edge of the lens cortex.
- A posterior subscapular cataract forms at the back of the lens, right in the part of the light. This type can develop fast and affect vision more quickly than any of the other two types
CAUSES
- Cataracts form at the lens.
- This lens is made of water and protein and is positioned behind the iris.
- The protein is specifically arranged in a way that keeps the lens clear and allows focused light that passes into the eye to produce sharp images on the retina.
- Age-related and other conditions alter the structures of the protein, they start to clump together and cloud a small area within the lens.
- As the cataract develops, the clouding becomes dense and covers a bigger part of the lens. This results in a blurred vision.
- This is how cataracts are formed.
The following are the causes of cataracts:
- Age
- Trauma or injuries that penetrates the eye
- Inherited genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome
- Eye diseases such as retinopathy, retinal detachment
- Radiation
- Smoking and alcohol
- Lack of vitamin C
- Long-term use of medications such as corticosteroid
- Medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic and nutritional diseases, Wilson’s disease
- Infections such as Leprosy, cysticercosis.
SYMPTOMS
- Blurred vision
- Diminished night vision
- Dull or faded color vision
- Sensitivity with glare and light
- Seeing haloes around lights
- Double vision in a single eye
- A need of brighter for activities such as reading.
DIAGNOSIS AND SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSIS
Cataracts are relatively easy to diagnose during a routine eye exam.
It is important during diagnosis of cataract that your doctor examine your entire eye for evidence of any other disease which may be affecting your vision.
In addition to reviewing your medical history and symptoms, your doctor will carry out a visual acuity test, retinal exam to examine the back of your eyes, and a slit-lamp examination to magnify and view the front of your eye.
TREATMENT
The symptoms of early cataract can be alleviated by using prescription glasses, using sunglasses to reduce glare and having better lighting while reading.
If the cataract is affecting your quality of life or is disrupting your ability to perform normal daily activities such as reading or driving, surgery can be recommended.