Similar to cameras, the natural lens of the eye focuses light rays onto the retina to create the image in sight, and this lens is mainly transparent. When cataracts develop, the lens’s transparency becomes opaque or cloudy, which can definitely affect a person’s eyesight. It occurs because of the presence of an oxidised fat molecule, which gets bound to the lens, and the binding then creates structural changes to the transparency of the lens, causing it to cloud over. Cataracts do develop in either one or both eyes, but can never spread from one to the other.
What are cataracts?
Cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes foggy. It definitely affects your vision considerably. It does occur in the natural lens of the eyes, located behind the iris and the pupil. Over time, cataracts can blur your vision, and eventually, you may require surgery to restore the clarity.
Cataract usually occurs in people over the age of 50. The patient’s lens becomes fully clouded and often appears milky white. This condition makes the world look blurred, dim, and even completely obscured. It is more than just a vision problem; it can severely affect one’s daily life. Simple tasks like reading and recognizing loved ones become challenging. With timely medical intervention and proper care, the clouded lens gets replaced by progressive glasses.
What are the Symptoms of Cataract?
Did you ever find yourself squinting at street signs and wondering if the world has suddenly become a bit hazy? It is a sign of cataract, so let’s dive into the world of cataracts, those cloudy visions that can sneak up on your eyes and blur the beauty of the world around you, and it’s time to discuss the symptoms of cataract.
Blurred Vision
Have you ever felt like you are looking through a foggy window or a misty morning? Blurred vision is the classic sign of developing cataracts. Due to blurred vision, things might appear hazy, making it challenging to read, drive, and enjoy the details of your favorite book.
Colours Losing Their Sparkle
If the world suddenly seems dull and lacklustre, cataracts could be the cause. Due to cataracts, colours might appear faded or yellowed, as if you are watching life through an old photograph. Say goodbye to vibrant reds and blues and hello to the world of muted tones.
Sensitivity to Light
Are those once-friendly rays of sunlight now feeling like a spotlight in your eyes? Increased sensitivity to light is another sign of cataracts. Glare from headlights, lamps, or the sun can become overwhelming, making outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Nights out are becoming a bit tricky. Therefore, cataracts do lead to difficulties with night vision. You may notice halos around lights or struggle to see clearly in low-light conditions. It is as if your eyes are playing hide and seek with the stars.
Double Vision
Seeing double may be fun in a magic show, but not so much in your daily life. Cataracts do cause double vision in one eye, making it challenging to focus on a single, clear image. Suddenly, if your eyes are staging their twin act, it is time to consult with your doctor.
Frequent Changes in Prescription Glasses
Do you update your glasses prescription more often than your phone’s software? Cataracts do cause frequent changes in vision, leading to the need for new prescriptions. If you find yourself in the optometrist’s chair more often than not, cataracts do play a huge role.
What Causes Cataracts?
Understanding the causes of cataracts is essential for early prevention and management. Cataracts occur because of the breakdown and clumping of proteins within the eye lens, leading to cloudiness and decreased vision. Numerous factors contribute to the development of cataracts, which are explored in detail.
Aging and Natural Degeneration
The primary cause of cataracts is the aging process. As people age, the protein in the eye lens breaks down and clumps together, forming cloudy areas. This type of cataract is referred to as an age-related cataract and is the most common form.
Genetic Factors and Family History
Genetics plays a critical role in the formation of cataracts. Individuals with a family history of cataracts may be more susceptible to developing the condition at an earlier age. Some congenital cataracts are even present at birth due to inherited genetic mutations.
Prolonged UV Radiation Exposure
Excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun can accelerate lens clouding. UV radiation damages proteins and fibres within the lens, contributing to the gradual formation of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection and progressive glasses can help reduce this risk.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking introduces harmful toxins into one’s body, leading to oxidative stress and damage to the eye lens. Long-term smokers have an increased risk of developing cataracts. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption gets linked to cataract formation due to its dehydration effects and impact on lens protein stability.
Surgical Treatment for Cataracts
Before conducting surgical treatment for cataracts, ophthalmologists conduct a detailed ophthalmology eye exam. After the exam, if cataracts are detected, surgical treatment for cataracts becomes the most effective and permanent solution when the condition begins to impact vision and daily activities significantly. In other words, cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens in the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. When cataracts begin to affect daily life (like reading, driving, or seeing at night), surgery becomes the best option. The two main types of cataract surgery are:
Phacoemulsification (PHACO)
Phacoemulsification, also known as Phaco surgery, is the most widely used advanced method for cataract surgery. This procedure utilizes ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy cataract lens and then replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)
SICS is another type of cataract surgery that requires a slightly larger incision than phacoemulsification, yet still smaller than those used in traditional cataract surgery methods.
It serves as an alternative to phaco surgery, particularly in settings with limited resources or where phacoemulsification equipment is unavailable. Eye surgeons also prefer SICS surgery when the cataract becomes too thick or mature to be removed with the phaco technique. Additionally, our surgeons from Salisbury Optometrist may opt for SICS over phaco when clinical challenges make it a more suitable choice. This procedure is generally more cost-effective than phaco surgery.
Why Choose Progressive Glasses for Cataract Treatment?
At Salisbury Optometrist, our experienced surgeons recommend the use of progressive glasses for the treatment of cataracts. Progressive glasses offer a seamless transition between different focal points, allowing for clear vision at various distances without the need for multiple pairs of glasses. These glasses also eliminate visible lines and provide a more natural visual experience, making them a good option for individuals who want a single pair of glasses for everyday wear.
Concluding thought
In conclusion, understanding the causes of cataracts is critical. It allows you to adopt preventive measures and seek timely medical intervention from a reputable clinic like Salisbury Optometrist. While aging is the most common cause, lifestyle choices and medical conditions also play a significant role in poor eyesight. Regular eye check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help delay the onset of cataracts.