Cataracts - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Peter Rodrick
November 01, 2008
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
Causes of cataracts
As people grow older, there can be changes to the protein that makes up the lens in the eye. Some experts think that this may be linked to how fluids and nutrients reach the eye. These changes in the lens protein can lead to cloudy areas developing.
Though age is the factor most likely to cause cataract, other factors such as heredity, eye injuries, use of some medications (particularly corticosteroids), and certain health problems (such as diabetes) may contribute to cataract as well. Several studies have linked cataract with alcohol consumption and smoking. Even if you have smoked for many years, quitting now will help you avoid cataract in the future.
Signs and Symptoms
The earliest signs of cataracts may mimic other eye conditions including macular degeneration. Many patients will notice they have more trouble seeing unless they use more intense lighting. Still others will notice they have difficulty pointing out finite details when reading or working.
Difficulty driving at night due to glare from headlights.
Sudden temporary improvement in close-up vision.
If you have a cataract, light from the sun, lamps or oncoming headlights may seem too bright. Glare and halos around lights can make driving uncomfortable and dangerous. You may experience eyestrain or find yourself blinking more often to clear your vision.
Can cataracts be prevented?
No proven prevention of cataracts exists. However, as cataracts develop slowly enough to be watched and surgery is very effective, permanent loss of vision can be prevented in most cases. Therefore, if you think you have a cataract, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
Treatment of cataracts
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription will help. Also, wearing glasses and sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light can slow the growth of a cataract.
Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. If your eye care professional finds a cataract, you may not need cataract surgery for several years. In fact, you might never need cataract surgery. By having your vision tested regularly, you and your eye care professional can discuss if and when you might need treatment.
Laser removal of cataracts
Currently, there are lasers being tested for removal of cataracts. At present they do not offer any advantage over phaco-emulsification, but further instrument design and development may improve upon this. We currently use a laser to open what is referred to as a secondary cataract or secondary membrane. The development of a secondary cataract happens fairly commonly after most types of cataract extraction.
Visit Home Remedies. Do not forget to visit Vagina Tightening Serum and Breast Capsules
Causes of cataracts
As people grow older, there can be changes to the protein that makes up the lens in the eye. Some experts think that this may be linked to how fluids and nutrients reach the eye. These changes in the lens protein can lead to cloudy areas developing.
Though age is the factor most likely to cause cataract, other factors such as heredity, eye injuries, use of some medications (particularly corticosteroids), and certain health problems (such as diabetes) may contribute to cataract as well. Several studies have linked cataract with alcohol consumption and smoking. Even if you have smoked for many years, quitting now will help you avoid cataract in the future.
Signs and Symptoms
The earliest signs of cataracts may mimic other eye conditions including macular degeneration. Many patients will notice they have more trouble seeing unless they use more intense lighting. Still others will notice they have difficulty pointing out finite details when reading or working.
Difficulty driving at night due to glare from headlights.
Sudden temporary improvement in close-up vision.
If you have a cataract, light from the sun, lamps or oncoming headlights may seem too bright. Glare and halos around lights can make driving uncomfortable and dangerous. You may experience eyestrain or find yourself blinking more often to clear your vision.
Can cataracts be prevented?
No proven prevention of cataracts exists. However, as cataracts develop slowly enough to be watched and surgery is very effective, permanent loss of vision can be prevented in most cases. Therefore, if you think you have a cataract, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
Treatment of cataracts
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription will help. Also, wearing glasses and sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light can slow the growth of a cataract.
Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. If your eye care professional finds a cataract, you may not need cataract surgery for several years. In fact, you might never need cataract surgery. By having your vision tested regularly, you and your eye care professional can discuss if and when you might need treatment.
Laser removal of cataracts
Currently, there are lasers being tested for removal of cataracts. At present they do not offer any advantage over phaco-emulsification, but further instrument design and development may improve upon this. We currently use a laser to open what is referred to as a secondary cataract or secondary membrane. The development of a secondary cataract happens fairly commonly after most types of cataract extraction.
Visit Home Remedies. Do not forget to visit Vagina Tightening Serum and Breast Capsules
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