Cataract

👁️ Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, especially in older adults. Fortunately, cataracts are treatable with surgery.

🧬 Causes

Cataracts form when proteins in the lens clump together, preventing clear light from passing through. Causes include:

• Aging (most common)
• Diabetes
• Eye injuries or trauma
• Prolonged exposure to UV radiation
• Smoking and alcohol
• Certain medications (e.g. corticosteroids)
• Genetic or congenital conditions
• Previous eye surgeries or inflammation

⚠️ Symptoms

Cataracts develop slowly and symptoms worsen over time:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Glare or halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription

🧪 Diagnosis

• Eye exam using:
  • Visual acuity test
  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Retinal exam (after pupil dilation)
• Conducted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist

💊 Treatment

🔹 Early stages:

• Stronger glasses or magnifying lenses
• Brighter lighting
• Anti-glare sunglasses

🔹 Advanced stages:

• Surgery is the only effective treatment:
  • Removal of the cloudy lens
  • Replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL)
  • Safe and commonly performed outpatient procedure
  • Over 95% success rate with vision improvement

🛡️ Prevention & Risk Reduction

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses
• Control blood sugar in diabetes
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Regular eye check-ups, especially after age 40
• Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (leafy greens, fruits)

👴 Types of Cataracts

✅ Key Facts

• Cataracts are common with aging, but treatable
• Surgery is highly effective and restores vision for most
• Early diagnosis can preserve sight and independence