What is the cataract?

Cataract refers to a condition in which there is a masking of the normally clear lens of the eye. For cataract patients, viewing through the cloudy lens is more like looking through a foggy window. This can make it difficult for the patient to drive, read, or see a face clearly.

The condition usually progresses slowly and does not alter vision. But over time, cataracts eventually end up interfering with vision. At first, the condition may appear to be cured by wearing glasses, but surgery may be required if vision interferes with your normal activities.

Types of cataracts
1] Nuclear cataracts

This type of cataract can initially cause a problem to see things that are not distant (myopia) or even temporarily improve reading vision. But as the condition progresses, the yellowish color of the lens can increase and can eventually turn it brown. Yellowing or advanced browning of the lens can make it difficult for a person to differentiate between colors.

2] Congenital cataracts

Some people may have cataracts from birth or may develop them during childhood. These types of cataracts can be genetic or associated with some type of infection or trauma.

3] Posterior subcapsular cataracts

This type of cataract begins as a small, opaque area that usually forms near the back of the lens and falls directly into the path of light. This type of cataract interferes with your vision, makes it difficult for you to see in bright light, and causes halos or flashes around light at night. Posterior subscapular cataracts tend to progress faster.

4] Cortical cataracts

This type of cataract begins as a wedge-shaped whitish clouding on the outer side of the lens cortex. As the condition progresses, the streaks spread towards the center and begin to interfere with the light passing through the center of the lens.

What are the possible symptoms of a cataract?

Some of the signs and symptoms associated with cataracts include.

Blurred or cloudy vision.
Sensitivity to light.
Difficulty seeing at night.
Need for more light to read and do other activities.
See “halos” around the light.
Yellowing or discoloration of colors.
Double vision.
Frequent changes in the prescription of glasses or contact lenses.

1] Possible causes of cataracts

Cataracts cannot be subject to a particular cause. They usually develop with age or with damage to the tissue that makes up the lens of the eye. Cataracts can also be due to genetic disorders, eye conditions, or previous eye surgery or a medical condition such as diabetes.

2] Possible risk factors for cataracts

Increase in age.
Diabetes.
Of smoking.
Obesity.
High blood pressure
Injury or inflammation in the eye.
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications.
Excessive alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis and treatment

To detect if the patient has a cataract, the doctor can begin by reviewing the medical history of patients. Then you can ask about the symptoms and do an eye exam.

Various tests such as visual acuity test, slit lamp exam, and retinal exam can be done to make sure the condition persists.

If the condition is in a very early stage, the doctor may recommend that the patient wear glasses. But in most cases, surgery may be suggested.

1] Preventive measures

The following preventive measures can be taken to ensure that the condition does not progress at a very rapid rate.

Get a regular eye exam: Eye exams can help detect the condition at an early stage.

Quitting Smoking: Smoking has been shown to negatively impact the condition, so quit smoking.

Healthy diet: Eating vegetables regularly can help maintain eye health, as they contain various antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients.

Wear sunglasses – The sun’s ultraviolet rays can contribute to the development of cataracts, therefore wearing sunglasses can help block the rays.

Reduce alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol consumption can help reduce the progression of cataracts.

If you are looking for an eye care center that has the best doctors and modern equipment to treat cataracts, Narayana Nethralaya is the right place for you. The hospital is exclusively dedicated to providing the best eye care to patients.