Let’s find out What is cataract, what are cataract symptoms, when to get cataract operation done, precautions after cataract operation and more.
A cataract is an opacification (cloudy area) of the lens of the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. It often develops slowly and can affect one or both eyes. The cataract is very common in older people and a lot of the elder populations have even had surgeries to get rid of cataract. But, the thing that confuses most is how to detect cataracts and what causes it in the first place.
What is cataract ? What are the causes of cataracts?
Most cataracts are caused by normal changes in your eyes as you get older. When you’re young, the lens in your eye is clear. But around the age of 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clump is what makes a cloudy area on your lens and is called a ‘cataract’. Besides aging, cataract risk factors also include:
∙ Ultraviolet radiation
∙ Hypertension
∙ Smoking
∙ Family history
∙ Diabetes
∙ Obesity
∙ Previous eye injury or inflammation
∙ Previous eye surgery
∙ Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
∙ Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
∙ Hormone replacement therapy
∙ Significant alcohol consumption
∙ High myopia
The problem with having a cataract is that it gets severe and clouds more of the lens with time. So how do you find out if you have a cataract? Read the symptoms below.
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Major cataract symptoms – What is cataract
Symptoms of cataract may include:
∙ faded colors
∙ blurry or double vision
∙ halos around light
∙ trouble with bright lights
∙ trouble seeing at night
Cataracts usually result in troubled driving, reading, or even recognizing faces. The worst part about having a cataract is that the poor vision increases the risk of falling and depression. It also leads to half of all cases of blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide. Now you’re wondering how is that possible. Well, you clearly didn’t know that a cataract at first is not so noticeable. But over time, cataract makes your vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful which is a cue for you to save your eyes. The good news is that cataract surgeries can help. A Cataract surgery is safe and corrects vision problems caused by cataracts but you must always consult the right doctor before going in for an option like this.
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All about cataract – What is cataract? How to prevent cataracts?
In order to protect your eyes and delay cataracts, here’s what you must do:
∙ Wear anti-glare sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block the sun’s bright light.
∙ Quit smoking.
∙ Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables — especially dark and leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. This keeps your eyes healthy.
∙ Get a dilated eye exam once in every 2 years.
∙ Use brighter lights at home and work.
∙ Use magnifying lenses for reading and other activities.
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Disclaimer: This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.
