Cataract can impair your vision: Know the prevention and treatment

 Cataract :

Cataracts are clouding of the normally clear lenses of the eye. Cataract forms slowly and don't diminish eyesight early on, but soon cataract can cover the whole eye and you can eventually lose your eyesight. Cataracts generally occur after the age of 60 and are a very common problem among the elderly.

At the initial stage, eyeglasses can help you see clearly but over time if impaired vision starts to affect your daily life, you might need cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is an effective procedure. Cataracts form slowly and you might not even know you have them until it starts to affect your vision.

 

Symptoms of cataracts include-

·         Clouded and blurred vision

·         Sensitivity to light and glare

·         Seeing 'halos' around lights

·         Double vision in a single eye

·         Fading or yellowing of colours

·         Difficulty seeing at night

Cataract forms when protein builds up in the lens of your eye and makes it cloudy it doesn't allow the light to pass through clearly. Most cataracts form with age. Inherited genetic disorders that cause other health-related problems can also increase the risk of cataracts. Diabetes, past eye surgery, long term use of steroids can also cause cataracts.

 Types of cataracts

 

·         Nuclear cataracts

·         Cortical cataracts

·         Posterior subcapsular cataracts

·         Anterior subcapsular cataracts

·         Congenital cataracts

·         Traumatic cataracts

·         Secondary cataracts

·         Radiation cataracts

·         Lamellar or zonular cataracts

·         Posterior polar cataracts

·         Anterior polar cataracts

·         Post-vitrectomy cataracts

·         Christmas tree cataracts

·         Brunescent cataracts

·         Diabetic snowflake cataracts

 

Prevention

No studies or research has shown how to prevent cataracts, but experts think some strategies can be helpful in preventing cataracts like-

Regular eye check-ups

Eye tests and regular check-ups can help detect cataracts in the early stages, consult your doctor about how often you should get your eyes checked.

Quit smoking

Smoking has been linked with cataracts, if you're having trouble quitting, ask your doctor for suggestions.

Diagnose other health problems

Follow your diagnosis if you're a patient with diabetes or other health conditions that can cause cataracts.

Wear sunglasses

UV rays from the sun negatively impact our eyes, wear sunglasses that block UV rays when you're outside

Reduce alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol can increase the risk of cataracts, avoid alcohol.

Healthy Diet

Add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Consumption of fruits and vegetables provides us with vitamins and minerals. they also contain many antioxidants which are beneficial for the health of the eye.

Treatment of Cataract

Cataracts can only be treated by surgery, but only in severe conditions. Mild cataracts can be treated with a stronger lens that can make your vision better for a while. In cataract surgeries, the surgeon replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you don't even have to get admitted to a hospital.

A cataract is very common among the elderly but can be easily treated. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor immediately.