Contents
In this article we will look at:
- What is cataract?
- How does cataract occur?
- Who is prone to cataract?
- What are the symptoms of cataract?
- How is cataract diagnosed?
- What are the complications of cataract?
- What is the treatment for cataract?
- How to prevent cataracts?
- More Opthalmology Related Topics
You can click on any of the links above to navigate to the section of your interest.
What is cataract?
Cataracts occur as a part of the body’s natural ageing process. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This is the most common cause of gradual vision loss among people over the age of 40 years and is also the main cause of blindness in the world.
Cataract can occur in either eye or both the eyes. However, it does not spread.
How does cataract occur?
The lens in our eyes helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina, where the light is transformed into nerve signals that are then sent to the brain.
The lens in our eyes is made up of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a way that keeps the lens clear, allowing the light to pass through. With age, however, the protein begins to clump which affects the lens and finally our vision. This is called cataract.
As age advances, the cataract grows larger and larger making it more difficult for us to see.
There are various types of cataract depending on how and where they develop in your eye:
- Nuclear cataracts are associated with aging and form in the middle of the eye lens and cause the nucleus, to become yellowish or brown.
- Cortical cataracts are wedge-shaped and begin at the outer rim of the lens and begin to grow towards the center. People with cortical cataracts often notice problems with glare or a "halo" effect around lights.
- Posterior capsular cataracts affect the back of the lens. They form faster than nuclear or cortical cataracts.
- Congenital cataracts are those that are present from birth.they may be caused by an infection contracted by the mother during pregnancy or by a genetic condition such as Fabry disease, Alport syndrome, or galactosemia. They are less common than age-related cataracts.
- Secondary cataracts is a condition which occurs after a cataract surgery and can be said to be a complication of cataract surgery. Once removed, cataracts cannot regrow. Secondary cataracts occur when corneal cells grow on the posterior lens capsule several months or years after the surgery. Fortunately, a highly precise surgical laser can remove the clouded capsule without the need for incisions. This process is very quick and discomfort free.
- Subcapsular cataracts progress very rapidly and affect the back of the lens, causing glare and blurriness. This type of cataract is seen in diabetes patients as well as patients who take steroids or suffer from extreme nearsightedness.
- Traumatic cataracts develop when an injury occurs to the eye. It can take several years for this to happen.
- Radiation cataracts can form after a patient radiation treatment for cancer.
Who is prone to cataract?
Some people are more prone to cataract than other people. They include:
- people who are 40 years and above. (though during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision.)
- diabetes patients
- patients taking treatment for cancer
- people who suffered from serious eye injuries
- people who overindulge in smoking and drinking alcohol
- people who suffer from obesity and high blood pressure
- people who take steroids
- people who are exposed to bright sunlight for long periods
What are the symptoms of cataract?
The symptoms of cataract include:
- Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
- Seeing halos around lights
- Clouded, blurred or dim vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Increasing difficulty with vision at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Double vision in a single eye
How is cataract diagnosed?
To determine whether you have a cataract, your ophthalmologist reviews your medical history and will perform an eye examination. He may ask you to undergo certain tests such as:
- Visual acuity test: In this test, an eye chart is used to measure how well you can read a series of letters. Each eye will be tested in turn and the doctor will find out if you have a 20/20 vision or if your vision is impaired.
- Slit-lamp examination: This examination is performed to look for any diseases or abnormalities in the anterior portion of the eye, which includes the eyelids, lashes, lens, conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. This test shows the eye structure in great detail.
•Retinal exam: In this exam, the doctor puts drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. This makes it easier to examine the back of your eyes (retina) and check for any signs of a cataract.
What are the complications of cataract?
The complications of cataract if left untreated include:
- gradual loss of vision
- complete blindness
What is the treatment for cataract?
Surgery is the only way to remove cataracts. Based on your condition your ophthalmologist can guide you when to undergo the surgery. In the initial stages, cataracts usually do not require any surgery. It is when cataracts affect your daily life such as, keeping you from doing things you want or need to do that you need to consider undergoing the surgery.
How to prevent cataracts?
To reduce your risk of developing cataracts:
- wear sunglasses while venturing out to protect your eyes from UVB rays
- get regular eye exams done
- eat fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants
- stop smoking
- exercise and maintain a healthy body weight
- keep your diabetes and any other medical conditions in check
More Opthalmology Related Topics
People interested in this topic also read:
- Corrective Eye Surgery Procedures: Cost & Eligibility
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)
- Epi LASIK (Epipolis Laser In Situ Keratomileusis)
- LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery)
- Cataract Surgery
- Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Would you like to consult a doctor for Cataracts ?
Patient Experiences
Cataract Surgery
I have visited to Dr Vaishali for my vision problem and after visiting to her my problem get resolved. As I have booked prior appointment with Dr and i reached there on time so there was no waiting time was there. After talking her treatment i found good results and my problem got resolved gradually.
Dr. Vaishali was recommended to me through her online details.I had severe vision problem ,I went to her clinic and met her receptionist for my appointment she was very professional and sweet.I am very sensitive about my eye problem when I went into the room with Dr. Vaishali, she was very accommodating to me. She told me that this treatment will really help me a lot after listening to her I was more than relieved.She is quite professional and a very competent doctor. The treatment was quick and amazingly seamless. She told me, "The comfort of the patient is very important to me during the treatment."Over all she is very good Dr if you have any eye related issue you should must visit to her.
Thanks to Dr Vaishali....Read Less
Doctor in this story :Dr. Vaishali Sathe
Dr Vaishali Sathe's Envision Eye Hospital
Successful Cataract Surgery
My father went through cataract surgery for both of his eyes couple months ago and had developed post surgical healing issues. The hospital and doctors who performed the surgery failed to extend requisite and succinct post hypercare.
With this my search took me to Dr. Rahul. His patience, perseverance and attention to detail is highly commendable. Following this came a detailed diagnosis and his ability to walkthrough the next recommended course of action. This proved that experience doesn't always over rule fundamentals and commitment.
Fantastic service with cheerful elucidation and complete time with no urgency to handle volumes. Any patient wouldn't ask for anything more!...Read Less
Doctor in this story :Dr. Rahul Jain
Dr. Jain's Eye Clinic
Successful Eye Surgery
*** ****** ** *** ** *** **** ******* ** **** **** **** She was extremely courteous, polite and gentle. She takes genuine interest in her patients and took ample time to answer each and every query we had. Although we were very anxious before my father's eye surgery, she made all of us very comfortable, especially my elderly parent. Also, mam was extremely professional and very proficient in her work. My dad has perfect vision in both his eyes now. We wish mam all the very best for the future as she brings joy and fulfillment to her patients through her treatment.. ...Read Less
Doctor in this story :Dr. Sonali Warade Patkar
Clearvision Clinic
Questions answered by trusted doctors
I have congenital cataract. Should I opt for surgery?
Should I have to wear glasses after the surgery?
Should I have to wear glasses after the surgery?
Hi,
I am diagnosed with cataract in right eye.. What can be the cause of it? Is it necessary to get operated immediately.
Most common cause is age,trauma, inflammation or strroid use
Only treatment is surgery
Cataract is an ageing process. besides there are many other causes like steroid use, ocular trauma, diet, etc
If it's very disturbing to your vision then you must get it operated.
Ask health queries and get free answers from doctors in 24 hrs
Did you know?
Statistics in India in 90’s
In India in the early 1990s, it was estimated that more than 80 percent of blind people, or more than 10 million individuals, suffered from bilateral cataract, and another 10 million individuals had cataract in one eye.
Cataract Blindness Control Program
In 1994, recognizing both the tremendous problem of adult blindness in India and the shortcomings in the existing cataract treatment program, the Cataract Blindness Control Program was begun in seven states in India where the need was most concentrated.
Impact Of the Program
A cumulative total of 15.35 million cataract operations were performed within the seven years of the program, which was successful in improving the quality of care.
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after the surgery if u opt for multifocal lenses then your need for glasses will reduce to minimum but not all except multifocal lenses nicely.
pl get your eyes,checked and then maybe we can discuss further.
any more doubts pl contact at 9871909266