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without a cataract | view with a cataract |
Cataracts is a condition that slowly progresses with time and age. It is usually slow growing and usually presents more symptomatically with people over 60 years of age. Though, medications like steroids, diabetes, lifestyle and diet can increase this progression. Cataracts occurs when proteins in the eye clumps in the lens and causes the appearance of a dense cloudy layer that obstructs one's vision. Although there are several different types of cataracts, the symptoms are usually the same.
Common symptoms you may notice are blurry vision at a distance, seeing spots and blur when reading up close, trouble with night vision and nighttime driving, reduced contrast while reading print, halos and glare, and double vision or ghost images in the affected eye resolved by closing the eye. It can occur in one or both eyes and typically occurs at different rates. In mild cases, sometimes a change in prescription can help. In more moderate or severe symptomatic patients, cataract surgery may be an option. For patients without any major medications, ocular history, or systemic history, cataract surgery is a fairly simple and fast surgery than can remove the cataract and be replaced with an implant to help you see.
What you can do to prevent cataract progression: have annual eye and medical physical exams, reduce heavy alcohol and smoking cessation, eat foods with lots of antioxidants, be diligent about your health (diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, taking safe precaution regarding eye injury), and wear sun protection with UV blocking lens to reduce UV exposure.
There is so much more about cataracts and other eye conditions to go on about that can't be explained in one article. As always, this is not professional medical advice and you should always consult a professional opinion at an eye exam with your local optometrist.