A cataract is a ‘covering’ of the lens
in the eye leading to a decrease in vision. The lens is a transparent part of
the eyes, through which light passes to get to the back of the eye (Retina), so
we can see. The job of the lens is to adjust the light rays in such a way that
it gets to the right spot on the retina. Any problem in the lens affects your
ability to see. In cataract, materials make the transparent lens to become
opaque. Light can no longer pass through. If the covering is large enough,
blindness occurs. This blindness is however reversible (simply by removing the
lens that has the cataract, and replacing it with a new one).
Cataract can affect one
or both eyes. Often it develops slowly. Symptoms may include:
·
Faded colors,
·
Blurry vision,
·
Halos around light (seeing many rings around light bulbs)
·
Problems with bright lights, and
·
Problems seeing at night.
This may result in
trouble driving, reading, or recognizing faces. Poor vision may also result in
an increased risk of falling and depression.
Cataracts are the cause
of half of blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide.
Cataracts are most
commonly due to aging but may also occur due to trauma (injury to the eyes) or
radiation exposure. It could be present from birth. It can also follow eye
surgery for other problems.
Things that increase
your chances of getting cataracts include:
·
Diabetes,
·
Smoking tobacco,
·
Prolonged exposure to sunlight, and
·
Alcohol.
Either clumps of protein
or yellow-brown coloured materials may be deposited in the lens reducing the
transmission of light to the retina at the back of the eye. Diagnosis is by an eye
examination.
Prevention includes
wearing sunglasses and not smoking. Early on the symptoms may be improved with eyeglasses.
If this does not help, surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an
artificial lens is the only effective treatment. Surgery is only needed if the
cataracts are causing problems. Surgery generally results in an improved quality
of life. Cataract surgery is not easily available in many countries, which is
especially true for women, those living in rural areas, and those who cannot
read.
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