A cataract is a clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens that focuses the light entering the eye onto the retina. This cloudiness can cause a decrease in vision and may lead to eventual blindness if left untreated. Cataracts often develop slowly and painlessly, so vision and lifestyle can be affected without a person realizing it. Worldwide, cataracts are the number one cause of preventable blindness. There is no medical treatment to prevent the development or progression of cataracts.

Modern cataract surgery, which is the removal of the cloudy lens and implantation of a clear intraocular lens (I0L), is the only definitive treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery is the most effective and most common procedure performed in all of medicine with 3 million Americans choosing to have cataract surgery each year, and an overall success rate of 97 percent or higher when performed in appropriate settings. Cataracts often develop slowly with a gradual decline in vision that cannot be corrected with glasses. Common complaints include blurry vision, difficulty reading in dim light, poor vision

Refractive Errors

Symptoms of Cataracts

01. Common symptoms of cataracts include

blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, seeing colors as faded, increased sensitivity to glare, halos surrounding lights, double vision in the affected eye, a need for frequent changes in prescription glasses.

02. There are several underlying causes of cataracts.

an overproduction of oxidants, which are oxygen molecules that have been chemically altered due to normal daily life smoking

03. ultraviolet radiation.

the long-term use of steroids and other medications certain diseases, such as diabetes trauma radiation therapy

Risk Factors Of Cataracts

Risk Factors Associated With Cataracts Include:

  • older age heavy alcohol use smoking obesity high blood pressure
  • previous eye injuries
  • a family history of cataracts
  • too much sun exposure
  • diabetes
  • exposure to radiation from X-rays and cancer treatments

What Causes Cataracts?

There are several underlying causes of cataracts. These include:

  • an overproduction of oxidants, which are oxygen molecules that have been chemically altered due to normal daily life smoking ultraviolet radiation
  • the long-term use of steroids and other medications certain diseases, such as diabetes trauma radiation therapy
  • 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.
  • Surgery to remove a cataract is generally very safe and has a high success rate. Most people can go home the same day as their surgery.

Treatment Of Cataracts

If you’re unable or uninterested in surgery, your doctor may be able to help you manage your symptoms. They may suggest stronger eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or sunglasses with an anti-glare coating.

Surgery

Surgery is recommended when cataracts prevent you from going about your daily activities, such as reading or driving. It’s 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.