A cataract occurs when one or both the normal lens in the eyes becomes cloudy or inflexible. When you have cataract, you see things differently – you see people and objects in a cloudy, foggy or dim way (for e.g. like seeing through a wet glass). Most cataracts develop slowly and may not disturb your eyesight in the early stage. But with time, however, “cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision, making it more difficult for you to read, see your surroundings better or drive a car (especially at night),” Dr. Choice Onyinyechi Wereko-Dankwa said.
Risk factors
According to Dr. Choice Onyinyechi Wereko-Dankwa, Medifem Multi-specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre, cataracts are as a result of protein build up in the lens, which produces the cloudy layer on the eye. She explained that the cloudy layer prevents light from passing through the lens clearly and eventually causes a person to have blurry vision. She highlighted a number of factors as being the possible cause of cataracts. This include: Ageing (cataracts are common in older adults aged over 60); Diabetes; Excessive exposure to sunlight; Excessive smoking and Excessive intake of alcohol. There are other risk factors which include: Obesity (being overweight); High blood pressure; Eye injury or inflammation; Previous eye surgery; and Continuous use of corticosteroid (eye) medications.
Symptoms of cataracts
There are quite a number of signs to look out for in order to know that you developing cataract or not. It is very important to seek medical care if you tend to show any of these symptoms: your vision is getting cloudy or blurry or dim; you are able to read or perform other activities when the lights are brighter; you can’t see from afar – that is, shortsightedness (especially in older people); or you see colours differently (colour blindness). Also true of the symptoms of cataract is that you may experience difficulty with vision at night (for e.g. glare from oncoming headlights); have double vision in the affected eye, or frequently change your eyeglass or contact lens because you think they aren’t working well.
Diagnosis for cataract
To determine whether you have a cataract, Dr. Choice said your medical history would be examined for the possible signs and symptoms. This examination is done by conducting several tests, such as including: a visual acuity test – using a chart to measure how well you can read a series of letters from a distance; a retinal exam – where liquid drops are put on your eyes to open your pupils wide (dilate it). During this process, doctors use a special device called an ophthalmoscope to examine your lens for signs of a cataract. There is also a slit-lamp examination – where a slit lamp (microscope) is used to see the structures at the front of your eye to detect any abnormalities.
Treatment for cataract
“The exact cause of cataract isn’t known and so doctors advise that you check your eye at least every two years,” Dr. Choice noted. She indicated that the most common and effective way of dealing with cataract once and for all is through surgery. “Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll go home the same day. The process involves the surgeon removing your damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial one. The great thing is, people who undergo cataract surgery can see better afterwards just like those with normal eyesight,” she said.
Source:
Interview with Dr. Choice Onyinyechi Wereko-Dankwa, Medifem Multi-specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
Picture courtesy: dr.gregmoloney.com.au
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