A cataract is a common eye condition characterized by the clouding of the once cleans lens that sits just inside the eye. This clouding occurs as a result of changes in the proteins in the lens as we age. Over time, proteins can clump together and interfere with the passage of light, causing vision to become progressively impaired. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes.

What is a cataract?

What are the risk factors for cataracts?

Some common factors associated with cataracts:

  • Aging: Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, and many people over the age of 60 have some degree of cataract development.

  • Ultraviolet Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight without adequate eye protection can contribute to the development of cataracts.

  • Certain Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity have been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts.

  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition have also been associated with a risk of developing cataracts.

  • Eye Trauma: Physical trauma to the eye can accelerate the development of cataracts.

  • Medications: Long-term use of certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, may increase the risk of cataract development.

Symptoms of cataracts may vary on the severity of the condition. Common signs and symptoms of cataracts:

  • Clouded, Blurred, or Dim Vision: The most common symptom of cataracts is a progressive clouding of the eye's lens, leading to blurred or dim vision. This can make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily activities.

  • Sensitivity to Glare: Individuals with cataracts may become more sensitive to glare, especially from headlights, lamps, or sunlight. Glare may appear as a halo around lights, making it challenging to see clearly in bright environments.

  • Difficulty Seeing at Night: Cataracts can make it more challenging to see in low-light conditions, particularly at night. This can result in reduced visual clarity, making it harder to navigate and perform tasks in dimly lit environments.

  • Faded or Yellowed Colors: As cataracts progress, individuals may notice that colors appear faded or yellowed, impacting their ability to perceive and differentiate between various hues.

  • Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription: Those with cataracts may find that their prescription for eyeglasses needs to be updated more frequently as the condition worsens.

  • Double Vision in One Eye: Some individuals with cataracts may experience double vision or multiple images in one eye, known as monocular diplopia, which can significantly impair visual perception.

It is essential to seek professional care if you experience any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help preserve vision and improve overall quality of life.

What are the symptoms of cataracts:

How do you cure cataracts?

Correcting cataracts is crucial for restoring clear vision and improving the overall quality of life. By undergoing cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), resulting in improved visual acuity. This not only enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents and falls, but also promotes independence, allowing individuals to perform daily activities.

Timely correction of cataracts is essential for preserving cognitive function, as there is a link between untreated vision impairment and cognitive decline. By adapting to lifestyle changes and enabling individuals to engage in activities they enjoy, cataract surgery positively impacts their well-being.

Until recently, all lens implants were fixed for one distance, requiring most patients to need glasses after cataract surgery. Today, there are many different implant options available that provide a fuller range of vision.

It's important to note that the choice of cataract correction option depends on various factors, including the patient's visual needs, lifestyle, overall health, and the surgeon's recommendation. Click below to learn more about the different types of lenses.

 FAQs

  • Not everyone develops cataracts or needs cataract surgery. By the age of 80, at least half of your peers will already have or had cataracts.

  • It’s time to think about cataract surgery when your vision and daily activities are becoming impaired, including trouble reading or driving. Noticing glare that prevents you from driving, especially at night, is also a sign that it may be time for surgery. Blurriness, distortion, and difficulty perceiving contrast are also signs to visit your eye doctor for an exam and talk about cataract removal.

  • The age when cataracts develop varies from individual to individual, but cataracts are most common in those over the age of 60. Often, people don't even realize they're beginning to develop cataracts until a doctor tells them or they begin to notice changes in their vision after having them for years.

  • The most common type of cataract surgery, called phacoemulsification, takes as little as ten minutes to access the lens by traditional or laser incision, break it up, remove it, and insert a replacement lens or IOL. The total visit on the day of surgery is usually about two-and-a-half hours.

  • In addition to permanently restoring your vision quality, early cataract surgery, performed on immature cataracts, can be simpler with a shorter recovery. Avoid waiting until they reach the hyper-mature stage, when your vision is significantly affected as the surgery will be more complicated.

  • With no other conditions, cataract surgery including a replacement IOL can give you 20/20 vision. Depending on which option you choose, you may still need glasses both for distance and near to achieve 20/20 vision.

  • Sometimes, we can improve a patient’s vision temporarily by updating their eyeglass prescription. However, there is no way to reverse cataracts without surgery. Cataracts develop naturally over time and tens of millions of people have cataract surgery each year because it’s their best option for restoring clear sight.

  • Recovery from cataract surgery is fairly quick in most cases. Patients should expect blurred vision right after the surgery though with improvement over the course of about one week. Redness or bruising on the eye is normal as well which will improve over a few days. You’ll visit the doctor after about a day to check on progress, and be fully recovered, in most cases, within a month. Patients must also avoid lifting anything weighing over 20 pounds and bending at the waist for 1 week after surgery.

    Once you have undergone cataract surgery, your vision should start becoming clearer within a few days. During the recovery time, your eyes will gradually adjust to your IOL, meaning that your vision might be a little blurry as your eyes heal. However, your vision will clear up with time, and any discomfort will go away as you recover. Most patients’ eyes typically heal within two weeks after surgery.

  • Patients who have cataract surgery do not say that it was painful. Most say that they experienced some discomfort.

  • No, your vision loss is not permanent. During cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove the natural lens and replace it with an artificial one. The lens is what allows you to have clear vision after cataract surgery.

  • Reducing risk factors by quitting smoking and controlling blood sugar for diabetics can help slow the progression of cataracts. Wearing UV protection when out in the sun can also help. In addition, an eye-healthy diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E including citrus and tomatoes may help as well.

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