Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition that cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy. The lens is normally clear, like a camera lens, and focuses light onto the retina at the back of your eye. This allows you to see clearly. But as cataracts develop, the lens becomes cloudy, blocking or scattering light as it passes through. This can make your vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful.
What causes cataracts?
- Age: The most common cause of cataracts is simply aging. As you get older, the proteins in the lens of your eye can break down and clump together, forming a cataract.
- Injury: An eye injury can also increase your risk of developing cataracts.
- Family history: Having a family history of cataracts increases your risk.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can increase your risk.
- Smoking: Smoking can also increase your risk of cataracts.
- Long-term use of certain medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids can increase your risk.
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Exposure to UV light from the sun can contribute to cataract development.
Symptoms of cataracts:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Fading or dulling of colors
- Seeing halos around lights
- Frequent need for changes in eyeglass prescription
Cataract treatment:
Cataracts cannot be reversed with medication or eye drops. However, the good news is that cataract surgery is a very common and successful procedure. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and most people experience a significant improvement in their vision after surgery.
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