CATARACTS

Types of cataracts include:

• Age-related cataracts. As the name suggests, this type of cataract develops as a result of aging. The first symptom is improved vision without glasses in old age.  This condition progresses slowly over the years.
• Childhood cataracts. This is subdivided into the congenital cataract, which present at birth or shortly after and the acquired cataract, which occur later and is usually caused by trauma.
• Secondary cataracts. Also known as, “complicated cataract”, develop as a result of other medical conditions, like diabetes, or exposure to toxic substances, certain drugs (such as corticosteroids or diuretics), ultraviolet light, or radiation.
• Traumatic cataracts. These form after injury to the eye.

Other factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing cataracts include cigarette smoke, air pollution, and heavy alcohol consumption.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts usually form slowly and cause few symptoms until they noticeably block light. When symptoms are present, they can include:

• Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy
• Progressive nearsightedness in older people often called “second sight” because although their distance vision is deteriorating, they may no longer need reading glasses.
• Changes in the way you see color because the discolored lens acts as a filter.
• Problems driving at night such as glare from oncoming headlights.
• Problems with glare during the day.
• Double vision while looking through the eye with a cataract (like a superimposed image).
• Sudden changes in glasses prescription.

DIAGNOSIS

An eye exam will be given to test how well you can see (remember to bring your glasses or wear your contacts to the appointment). Your doctor will also dilate your pupil in order to examine the condition of the lens and other parts of the eye.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Cataract is treated by surgery, which involves the removal of the clouded lens and replacing it with clear artificial lens.  There is no rush in undergoing cataract surgery, but the cloudiness of the lens will affect the quality of life.

A small number of adults and children with cataracts may benefit for a short time from eyedrops that widen (dilate) the pupil. These eyedrops increase the amount of light getting into the eye. They are sometimes used to help prevent vision loss in very young children who need to wait for surgery to be done.

What to think about

There is currently no medicine that will cure cataracts.