What are Cataracts?
The clouding in front of the eye which gradually affects the vision is called as Cataract. Mostly cataract is related to aging, this is why it more common in older individuals. This can happen in either or both eyes, but cannot spread from one to another.
What are the causes of cataract?
The reason behind the occurrence of cataract is very well known, but the study on the related cause which is behind the occurrence of cataract, to make sure the best treatment and to take preventive measures:
- Age is the most common cause
- Exposure is ultraviolet light which causes the formation of cataracts. To prevent this, you must use 100% UV sunglasses to avoid exposure.
- Studies shows that people with diabetes are at higher risk of cataract
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, heavy usage of drug and air pollution can also be the cause of cataract development
Are cataracts found only in older people?
The basic cause of development of cataract is aging factor and basically starts developing in the individual people age of above 50 years. About 50% of the population in western countries might face the problem of cataract by the age of 65 and almost every individual of age more than 75 years might has at the least one eye with cataract problem. But there are many cases in which infants are affected with congenital cataract disorder. The major cause of this type of congenital cataract in infants includes mother having the problem of chickenpox, German measles and some with infectious disorders during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the major symptoms of cataract are:
- Colors seem faded
- Poor night vision
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Double vision or multiple images in one eye
- Frequent changes in your eye sight
- Glare – headlights, lamps, or sunlight appearing too bright, or a halo may appear around lights
Can cataract be prevented?
Here are some of the measures which are the best in order to prevent the cataract problem and other eye related disorders, are:
- Have regular eye exams
- Quit smoking
- Wear sunglasses
- Take care of other health problems
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Choose a healthy diet
How can cataract be diagnosed?
There are always a way introduce to diagnose the problems and to make sure about providing the best treatment option. In case of cataract disorder, there are some of the complete eye tests which include tonomety, dilated eye test and visual acuity test.
- Visual Acuity test: In this test a eye chart is used to evaluate how well you can see at various distance
- Dilated Eye test: Drops are inserted in eyes to dilate or widen the pupils, and then the use of magnifying lens to test the optic nerve and retina for any symptoms of damage.
- Tonometry Test: In this a tool measures the pressure inside the eye, to understand the structure and health of your eye.
How can cataract be treated?
The problem of cataract which is diagnosed at early stage can easily be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting or anti-glare sunglasses. If the mentioned thing does not help in treating, the only effective option in this situation is surgery. In Surgery the cloudy lens will get replaced with the artificial lenses.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
The cost of cataract surgery depends on the severity of the cataract and on the individual patient. As mentioned sometimes it gets treated with just the use of sunglasses and sometimes needs surgery to treat the cataract. This is why the cost of cataract surgery may vary greatly.
What are possible side effects of cataract surgery/treatment?
There is very less chance of any side-effects, but if you undergo surgery, there might be some chance of side-effects, which includes:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Loss of vision
- Double vision
- High or low eye pressure
