Cataract

https://elisabethbell.com/p6qsbvqjs7 The risk of cataract increases as you age. Other risk factors for cataract include:

• Nutritional deficiency – low levels of antioxidants (e.g. carotenoids – lutein & zeaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin E)
• Certain diseases (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity)
• Personal behavior (e.g. smoking and heavy alcohol consumption)
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Family history of cataracts

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Cataracts usually form slowly and cause few symptoms until they noticeably block light. The most common symptoms of cataracts are:

• Vision that is cloudy or blurry
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Headlights, lamps or sunlight may appear too bright
• Seeing “halos” around lights
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye (like a superimposed image)
• Poor night vision
• Frequent changes in glasses and contact lenses prescription

At first, the cloudiness in your vision caused by cataracts may affect only a small part of the eye’s lens and don’t disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts grow larger and cloud more of your lens and distort the light passing through the lens. This may lead to signs and symptoms you’re more likely to notice.

Age-related cataracts can affect your vision in two ways:

1. https://www.jamesramsden.com/2024/03/07/gdzyc34s4 Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.

The lens is mostly made of water and protein. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to cause blurred vision.

When a cataract is small, the cloudiness affects only a small part of the lens. You may not notice any changes in your vision. Over time, the cataracts may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it even more difficult to see through.  Your vision may get duller or blurrier.

2. https://worthcompare.com/bsjgmxi The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.

As the clear lens slowly colors with age, your vision may gradually acquire a brownish shade. At first, the amount of tinting may be small and not cause a vision problem. Over time, increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted to the retina.

If you have advanced lens discoloration, you may not be able to identify blues and purples. You may be wearing what you believe to be a pair of black socks, only to find out from friends that you are wearing purple socks.

Cataracts can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

1. Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.

Snellen Visual Acuity Chart

Source: National Eye Institute

2. Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
3. https://ncmm.org/n6gu6f248z Tonometry. An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.
4. https://www.mominleggings.com/r3rs9vnx9 Refraction to determine the need for changes in an eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
5. https://www.worldhumorawards.org/uncategorized/6vszei73ai Evaluation of the lens under high magnification and illumination to determine the extent and location of any cataracts.
6. Supplemental testing for color vision and glare sensitivity.

Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye.

Though there is controversy about whether cataracts can be prevented, doctors think several strategies may be helpful, including:

	http://countocram.com/2024/03/07/0xz1zdn9nl Taking nutritional supplement Many studies have shown that Lutein and Zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E may also protect against the development and progression of cataracts.
	https://ncmm.org/cg889si4k Managing other health problems Follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can increase your risk of cataracts.
	https://worthcompare.com/yalsx1en8 Having comprehensive eye examinations Helps to detect if you are at risk or detect it at their earliest stages.
	Quitting cigarettes if you smoke Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with non-smokers.
	https://tankinz.com/g90pcbwr Reducing alcohol consumption Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of cataracts.
	https://www.lcclub.co.uk/wq1zw0esk Wearing sunglasses and a wide brim hat Helps to block ultraviolet rays when you are outdoors. Ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the  development of cataracts.

The treatment of cataracts is based on the level of visual impairment they cause.

When symptoms begin to appear, it may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses. New eyeglass prescription may provide temporary improvement in visual acuity. Brighter lighting when reading may be beneficial. The use of anti-glare coating on lenses can help reduce glare for night-time driving.

When a cataract progresses to the point that it impairs your vision and interferes with your everyday activity, such as reading, driving, watching TV, surgery may be needed. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. The artificial lens requires no care and can significantly restore vision. New artificial lens options include those that simulate the natural focusing ability of a young healthy lens.