A Guide on Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Ever noticed that your vision isn't as sharp as it used to be? Maybe you see things blurry or with a haze, or you find yourself squinting more often. If so, you may have cataracts—a common eye condition that affects the passage of light through your eyes, clouding your vision.

In this blog, we talk about cataracts, its causes, and how to prevent it. If you suspect that you have this condition, learning its complexities can help you effectively manage it and ensure that your vision can be restored to its former glory.

Understanding Cataracts: So, What is it Exactly?

Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases characterized by the clouding of the lens, a normally transparent structure in the eye responsible for focusing light onto the retina. This haze obstructs the passage of light, leading to visual impairment that can affect your day-to-day activities. And while cataracts often develop gradually, they can significantly impact your vision over time, leading to total loss if untreated.

Generally, there are three main types of cataracts based on the specific part of the eye’s lens affected. These include:

1. Nuclear Cataracts: These cataracts develop in the central portion of the lens, known as the nucleus. They are the most common type of cataract and typically appear as a yellowish or brownish clouding in the center of vision.
2. Cortical Cataracts: These cataracts form in the outer layers of the lens, known as the cortex. They appear as white, wedge-shaped streaks or spots that spread from the periphery toward the center of the lens.
3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: These cataracts develop in the back capsule of the lens, which is the thin membrane that holds the lens in place. They are located close to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and can significantly affect vision.

While cataracts are a common age-related condition, they are treatable with surgery. Early detection and intervention can help preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life.

The Symptoms of Cataracts

Regardless of the type of cataracts you have, the common sign is low vision due to cloudy eye lenses. This limits the light entering your eye and scatters it in different directions. This is why the most common complaint of those with cataracts is blurry vision that’s inadequately improved with eyeglasses.

Plus, with cataracts, your vision can be worse at night or during conditions with poor lighting. A few other usual complaints include intense glare, diminished color vision, and reduced depth perception.

The Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts can be caused by various factors, and understanding these triggers is important for both prevention and intervention.

1. Aging: The natural aging process is a primary cause of cataracts. This is because over time, the proteins in your eye lens can break down and clump together, leading to cloudiness.
2. Trauma or Injury: Physical trauma to the eye can contribute to the development of cataracts.
3. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes or intake of steroids are typically associated with an increased risk of cataracts.
4. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially without protective eyewear, can raise your chances of getting the condition.
5. Genetics: A genetic predisposition to developing cataracts and a family history of the condition can add to your risk of getting the condition.

To definitively know if you have cataracts, you can consult with your ophthalmologist (eye doctor). An examination using a special instrument called a slit lamp biomicroscope will reveal the presence or absence of a cataract.

Who are at Risk of Having Cataracts?

Generally, cataracts can affect people of any age.

Infants and children may be born with them (congenital) or acquire them at some point in their young lives (developmental or juvenile).

Commonly, older adults are more affected by cataracts. Studies indicate that 6 out of 10 adults over the age of 60 show symptoms of the condition. However, the rates at which cataracts develop and progress vary from one person to another.

How Do You Prevent Cataracts?

While cataracts are often associated with aging and genetic factors, there are some lifestyle choices and preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Here are several strategies for cataract prevention:

• UV Protection: Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays to protect your eyes from sun exposure.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts. Quitting smoking can not only benefit overall health but also contribute to eye health.
• Protect Against Eye Injury: Take precautions to prevent eye injuries. Use safety goggles or glasses when engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury.

It's essential to note that while these strategies are beneficial, there is no guaranteed way to prevent cataracts entirely. Regular eye check-ups and discussions with healthcare professionals can help tailor preventive measures based on your needs.

Treating Cataracts

The decision of when and by what cataract treatment to do depends on the extent the condition affects your vision.

Early-stage cataracts can be treated with eyeglasses or eye drop medications. However, these are merely temporary measures and will not remove what is already there. Eye drops have a very small percentage of success in stopping the progress of cataracts.

The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgical removal, and they’re either removed manually or using machines through a procedure called phacoemulsification. Laser therapy is not used in any way to treat cataracts.

Once the cataract is removed, it cannot grow back. Usually, an artificial lens or an intraocular lens implant is placed inside the eye to replace the old, clouded lens. This allows you to recover the clear vision you had before the cataract set in.

If you’re worried about the procedure, it’s worth noting that millions of people worldwide undergo this vision-improving procedure every year with excellent results. Since it’s a common condition, healthcare professionals have established successful standard procedures to treat cataracts.

Can The Medical City provide me with first-class cataract treatment?

Here at The Medical City, we take pride in being at the forefront of eye health care delivery. Our Eye Center boasts state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that can rival any hospital in the world. More importantly, we are staffed with a team of competent and skilled eye doctors, nurses, and technicians who have your welfare at heart.

If you suspect that you have a cataract, we urge you to visit any of our eye doctors or call us for any assistance that you need.