LIFESTYLE NEWS - A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. It develops at a slow rate and eventually interferes with your vision.
Cataracts are common in older people.
There are different types of cataracts: age-related or congenital.
Cataracts begin when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina.
There are several underlying causes:
- Overproduction of oxygen-free radicals or oxidants
- Smoking
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Long-term use of steroids and other medications
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes
- Trauma
- Radiation therapy
- Aging
- Heavy drinking
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Previous eye injuries
- Family history
- Too much sun exposure
- People with diabetes and those who have been exposed to radiation from X-rays and cancer treatments are also at higher risk.
- Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurry vision
- Trouble seeing at night
- Seeing colours as faded
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Halos surrounding lights
- Double vision in the affected eye
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Non-surgical treatments for cataracts include stronger eyeglasses, magnifying lenses and sunglasses with an anti-glare coating.
Surgery is necessary when cataracts prevent you from going about your daily activities, such as reading or driving. It is also performed when cataracts interfere with the treatment of other eye problems.
One surgical method, known as phacoemulsification, involves the use of ultrasound waves to break the lens apart and remove the pieces.
Extracapsular surgery involves removing the cloudy part of the lens through a long incision in the cornea. After surgery, an artificial intraocular lens is placed where the natural lens was.
(Source: Healthline)
- This article is for informative purposes only. Should you have any queries please contact questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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