Cataract is a condition in which the eye lens turns cloudy that affects vision. It is mostly found in older people. As we grow older, the proteins present in our eye lens start breaking down. Due to this, the lens fails to send clear images to the retina. An opaque area is formed on the lens that interferes with your vision. It is the main cause of blindness in people above 50 years. According to experts, each year nearly 3.8 million people lose their eyesight due to cataract in India while globally the incidence figure stands at about 5 million
Main Causes of Cataracts
Usually, cataract occurs due to age factors and develops gradually. However, there could be many other reasons that can affect a young person with this eye disorder, such as:
➲ Family history of cataract
➲ Drinking & smoking
➲ Diabetes
➲ Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation
➲ Certain medications or long-term use of steroids
➲ Radiation therapy
➲ Eye surgery or injury
➲Trauma
Symptoms of Cataract:
These are the common symptoms of cataract:
✍️ Cloudy, foggy or blurry vision
✍️ Facing difficulty to see at night
✍️ Colours appear yellow or faded
✍️ Increased sensitivity to light
✍️ Affected eye creating double vision
✍️ Frequent changes in vision prescription
✍️ See halos around lights
Types of Cataract:
Traumatic Cataract – Develops due to an eye injury that could take place right after the injury or many years later.
Radiation Cataract – Could form after radiation treatment for cancer or due to exposure to UV rays.
Paediatric Cataract – Could happen among babies and children due to family history, eye injury or other eye conditions. Babies can be born with (congenital) cataracts. If not treated timely, amblyopia or lazy eye can develop causing them vision problems.
Diagnosing Cataract
Ophthalmologists conduct a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose cataract in a person. Slit-lamp exam, retinal exam, refraction and visual acuity test are some tests that help them in detecting cataracts
Treating Cataract
Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts when they affect the vision. There is no need to remove a cataract if its symptoms are not severe. Getting a new eyeglass prescription is sufficient for a patient that helps him see better.
Tips to Prevent Cataract
One can protect his eyes from cataract and lower its risks by following these simple steps:
✤ Wearing sunglasses to protect eyes from harmful UV rays
✤ Getting regular eye check-up
✤ Quitting smoking
✤ Maintaining a good weight
✤ Having vegetables and fruits carrying antioxidants
What is Cataract
Let’s Know About Cataract
Cataract is a condition in which the eye lens turns cloudy that affects vision. It is mostly found in older people. As we grow older, the proteins present in our eye lens start breaking down. Due to this, the lens fails to send clear images to the retina. An opaque area is formed on the lens that interferes with your vision. It is the main cause of blindness in people above 50 years. According to experts, each year nearly 3.8 million people lose their eyesight due to cataract in India while globally the incidence figure stands at about 5 million
Main Causes of Cataracts
Usually, cataract occurs due to age factors and develops gradually. However, there could be many other reasons that can affect a young person with this eye disorder, such as:
Symptoms of Cataract:
These are the common symptoms of cataract:
Types of Cataract:
Traumatic Cataract – Develops due to an eye injury that could take place right after the injury or many years later.
Radiation Cataract – Could form after radiation treatment for cancer or due to exposure to UV rays.
Paediatric Cataract – Could happen among babies and children due to family history, eye injury or other eye conditions. Babies can be born with (congenital) cataracts. If not treated timely, amblyopia or lazy eye can develop causing them vision problems.
Diagnosing Cataract
Ophthalmologists conduct a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose cataract in a person. Slit-lamp exam, retinal exam, refraction and visual acuity test are some tests that help them in detecting cataracts
Treating Cataract
Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts when they affect the vision. There is no need to remove a cataract if its symptoms are not severe. Getting a new eyeglass prescription is sufficient for a patient that helps him see better.
Tips to Prevent Cataract
One can protect his eyes from cataract and lower its risks by following these simple steps:
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