Cataracts Overview

The cloudy patches that are formed on the natural lenses of the eye are known as cataracts. These patches can blur vision noticeably. The natural lens is just behind the iris and cannot be seen with the naked eye unless it has become very cloudy. The lens has an important role and focuses unobstructed light on the retina at the back of the eye. Cataract develops very slowly as you age but sometimes this development can be very fast. The changes in the vision are gradual and, hence, many people do not understand that they have cataracts. Though this disease affects both eyes, the development of the cataracts in one eye can be a bit faster then the other one. Cataracts affects almost 50% of the population who are aged above 65 years.

People who have been diagnosed with cataracts often find the regular activities at home to be a difficult task. They also complain of difficulty in driving at night and reading. These activities require a clear vision and it is very important to get your eyes checked every year. It is estimated that the number of patients afflicted with cataracts will continue to grow as there is a steady increase in the number of people who are above the age of 60 years.

The lens in the eye is made mostly of water and proteins. The clarity of the lens is the responsibility of certain proteins. With the passage of time, there is a change in the structure of these lens’ proteins which leads to a gradual clouding of the lens. There are some other factors too which can lead to the development of cataracts in the eyes. These are exposure to UV lights, diabetes, smoking and use of certain oral medicines. Long term use of statins and phenothiazines can lead to the development of cataract in the eyes.

Cataracts cause a number of visual changes like blurred vision, dulled color vision and increased nearsightedness. Better glasses may help you initially but as the cataracts progress, the vision becomes cloudier. Glasses and the contact lenses will no longer improve your sight. Cataracts are not at all painful and are not associated with eye redness. Painful changes in vision are usually associated with other eye diseases and, hence, doctors should be consulted immediately.

In order to detect a cataract the ophthalmologist will examine the lenses of your eyes. The eye examination will include a Visual Acuity Test wherein an eye chart is used to measure the reading and distance vision. A Refraction test will decide whether glasses can really improve your vision. The pupil will be dilated so that the doctor can examine the lens and retina in order to rule out the possibility of other eye conditions.

There is no way to prevent the onset of cataracts but you can take certain steps to minimize the factors that promote the development of cataracts in the eyes. You must wear sunglasses during the day to protect your retina. The exposure to harmful UV radiation must be limited. You can also take vitamins and minerals to decrease the cataract formation. However, there is no data to prove their efficacy. Diabetes patients must control their blood sugar level to negate the development of cataracts.

The cataract surgical procedure is usually performed in a hospital or a surgery center. Phacoemulsification is the most common form of cataract surgery. During the surgery, a small incision is made on the surface of the eye to facilitate inserting a thin ultrasound probe. The probe dissolves the clouded lens. Tiny pieces of the cataract are sucked out by the same probe. The artificial lens is then placed into the same bag that the cataract occupied. The intraocular lens helps the eye to focus after the surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the safest procedures and enjoys a high success rate. A few rare complications may arise such as persistent inflammation, retinal detachment and changes in the eye pressure. These complications are very rare but a follow up after surgery will definitely help overcome these complications.