👁️ Cataracts – Overview
A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens inside the eye, leading to blurry vision and difficulty seeing clearly.
⚙️ Causes of Cataracts
- Aging (most common cause)
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
- Eye injuries or inflammation
- Genetic factors
- Radiation exposure
📋 Symptoms
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Sensitivity to glare or bright lights
- Seeing halos around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
🩺 Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist
- Visual acuity test
- Slit-lamp examination to look at the lens
- Retinal exam to rule out other causes of vision problems
💊 Treatment
- Early cataracts: stronger lighting, eyeglasses, or magnifying lenses may help
- Advanced cataracts: surgical removal of the cloudy lens, usually replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL)
- Cataract surgery is generally safe and highly effective
⚠️ Complications
- If untreated, cataracts can lead to significant vision loss and blindness
- Surgery risks are low but may include infection, bleeding, or retinal detachment
🛡️ Prevention
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses
- Manage diabetes and other health conditions
- Avoid smoking
- Regular eye exams, especially after age 60