Cataracts
Cataracts affect a part of the eye called the lens. Its name comes from its function, which is to act like the lens of a camera to the eye. Usually the lens is transparent and enables the eye to clearly focus on objects both near and far. However, it can become cloudy and cause images to appear blurred. Over time, it can also become opaque and completely block vision in the affected eye. Cataracts do not necessarily appear in both eyes. If that is the case, they do not necessarily develop at the same rate either. However, people who have a cataract in one eye are usually at higher risk of having a cataract in the other eye.
Causes and triggers
The main cause of cataracts is aging. By age 75, about one out of every two persons will be affected. Other causes include:
- Eye injury
- Congenital defect
- Chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes)
- Family history of cataracts
- UV ray exposure
- Smoking
- Certain medications
Symptoms
Cataracts cause a gradual loss of vision. They are not painful and are not associated with any sort of sensation. Here are some signs of cataracts:
- Blurred or clouded vision
- dazzled vision
- Poor night vision
- Seeing a halo around lights
- Impression of looking through a frosted window
- Faded colors
If you have any of these symptoms, see your eye care professional.
Treatment
Glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed to correct minor vision changes. If the condition is more severe, surgery to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one will be necessary. This procedure is recommended when performing daily tasks becomes difficult because of poor vision. Typically, one eye is operated on at a time and surgery is done under local anaesthesia. As a result, vision will be greatly improved and should remain stable.