Cataracts
Introduction / Overview
A cataract is a film that grows over the lens of the eye, causing cloudiness. It is a bit like looking through a dirty windshield. A cataract affects your vision, making it harder to read and to see details, and can affect such things as distance perception or seeing in the dark.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Cataracts of the eye usually take many years to develop. Cataract symptoms include clouding and blurring of vision, diminished night vision, double vision, difficulty driving due to glare or seeing halos around lights. A cataract may affect more and more of the eye until cataract eye surgery is needed. Several tests can diagnose cataracts, including a visual acuity test, slit lamp exam, or a retinal exam using dilating drops. All of these can be performed by an eye doctor.
Known Causes
The most common cause of cataracts is aging. The lens of the eye is made of protein, which degenerates over time. Protein fibers separate and stick together, causing the lens to become cloudy. Some people develop cataracts from other causes, such as congenital cataracts, with which people are born. Sometimes the cause is a metabolic disorder or a disease contracted by the mother during pregnancy.
Treatments / Procedures
Cataract surgery is the only treatment for cataracts which is completely successful. The lens which has become cloudy is removed and a clear lens is implanted. Sometimes after cataract removal, the lens is not replaced but vision is still improved with glasses or contact lenses. Cataract surgery is a total success in all but 5% of surgeries. A cataract operation has become such a routine activity that you can usually take part in your normal activities the next day.
Prevention / Vaccination
While you can’t prevent cataracts, you can detect them at an early stage with regular eye exams. It is recommended that people over the age of 65 or with certain metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, get tested every year. Taking care of your body can also help. This means avoiding exposure to too much sun, wearing sunglasses, not smoking, and eating a healthy diet. If you are diagnosed with cataracts, it is very important to carry a medical ID card identifying your disease, meds, and who to call in case of emergency.
Prognosis / Management
Cataract surgery is usually very successful at eliminating cataracts. Until you have surgery, you can take the stress off your eyes by using bright lights at home, wearing sunglasses outside, reducing your night driving and using a magnifying glass to read small print.
Alternative Treatments & Products
Surgery is the only treatment which is ultimately successful with cataracts. Many theories are currently being researched which link a healthy diet to fewer eye problems. Self-care is important in the years before cataracts are at the point of needing surgery. Eating healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables is recommended as is avoiding UV rays. It is believed that eating foods high in antioxidants, including vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin C, might reduce your risk of developing cataracts. This means that antioxidant supplements might be helpful in preventing cataracts.