Cataracts are age-related eye conditions that can cause vision loss. The natural lens inside the eye, which is crystalline from birth, is very important because it helps to focus on the image. This lens grows with age and eventually becomes thicker and stiffer, which makes it difficult to see close objects, especially after the age of forty, and requires reading glasses called presbyopia.Also read – Considering cataract surgery? 3 things you should know
Dr. Alpa Atul PurbiaCornea and Cataract Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur, Hyderabad states what you need to know about cataracts Also read – These are the 5 most common words men and women use directly after sex
Causes of cataracts
Cataracts can also be caused by eye irritation and eye injury. Spending too much time in the sun without protection can also cause cataracts. Aging plays an essential role in the development of cataracts as the lenses of the eye are made up of tissues that grow slowly and grow with age. Other risk factors include UV radiation, sunlight, smoking, alcohol consumption, high myopia, family history, etc. Also read – 10 Simple Lifestyle Changes That Promote Healthy and Attractive Aging
There are 4 types of cataracts:
- Senile cataracts: It develops during old age and is commonly found in people over the age of fifty. Patients with senile cataracts often have a history of progressive vision loss and night and near vision loss. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to aging cataracts due to iodine deficiency and eye allergies.
- Congenital cataracts: Congenital cataracts mean clouding of the lens of the eye that is present from birth. Congenital cataracts are caused by an infection, a change in DNA, or a hormonal imbalance.
- Traumatic cataracts: Disruption of the lens fibers when the lens feels cloudy due to eye trauma penetrated into the lens. Traumatic cataracts can be caused by prolonged exposure to infrared light, radiation, eye strain, or UV rays.
- Secondary cataracts: Secondary cataract, also known as posterior capsule opacification, is a complication after cataract surgery. Secondary cataracts are caused by uveitis, radiation exposure, diabetes and medications. It can be prevented by advanced surgical techniques.
Cataracts are also classified based on the whitening condition of the lens, such as nuclear cataracts, cortical cataracts, subcapsular cataracts, capsular cataracts, anterior or posterior polar cataracts, etc. People may have one or more types of cataracts depending on these symptoms. Are different.
Symptoms of cataracts
Cataracts progress very slowly, so in general, people do not know they have cataracts. There are many features like cloudy vision, dimming color and contrast perception, difficulty driving at night, improvement in reading which is also called second vision and frequent change in glasses.
- Sensitivity to light or glare: Sensitivity to light is a common symptom of cataracts. The glare of bright light can be painful, especially for people with posterior subcapsular cataracts. This type of cataract starts behind the lens, which blocks the passage of light and often affects reading vision.
- Double vision: Double vision is defined as seeing two images while looking at an object. Cortical cataracts and corneal and lens problems cause double vision. Double vision can affect individual balance, movement and reading ability.
Treatment
Cataract surgery is a very safe and fast surgery, the surgery involves the removal of natural lenses due to the latest technology and in that case the intraocular lens is implanted. The intraocular lens has power that is calculated before surgery so that the patient can see almost the distance without a large glass number.
Surgery is advised when it becomes difficult to improve vision with glasses. If the spectacles change frequently, cataract-induced poor vision has a significant effect on quality of life. There are also surgical options such as phacoemulsification, small incision cataract surgery, extracapsular cataract extraction, and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Conclusion
Cataracts, however, are the most common cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. Early detection of cataracts helps in treatment, so regular eye examination is essential. Quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and eating and eating healthy foods rich in antioxidants can delay cataracts by making small lifestyle changes. Wearing sunglasses to block out the sun and reduce UV exposure can help delay cataracts.
(Dr. Alpa Atul Purbia is an MS (OFTH), FLVPEI (Cornea and Anterior Department), DO (OFTH), MBBS, Senior Refractive, Cornea and Cataract Surgeons at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur, Hyderabad.)
