CATARACT

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.

The amount and pattern of the cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.

A cataract is not:

A film over the eye
Caused by overusing the eyes
Spread from one eye to the other
A cause of irreversible blindness

There are various types of cataracts. They are classified by how and where they are developed in your eye.
• Cortical cataracts are wedge-shaped and are formed surrounding the edge of the nucleus.
• The posterior capsular type of cataract forms faster than the other two types and mostly affects the backside of the lens.
• Congenital cataracts are the type of cataracts that are present from the time of birth or develop during the baby’s first year.
• Exposure to radiation can cause radiation cataracts.
• Cataracts may develop after an injury to the eye; these are called traumatic cataracts. It can usually take several years for this to develop and happen.
• Diseases or medications cause secondary cataracts. Conditions that are linked to the development of cataracts include glaucoma and diabetes. The use of the steroid prednisone and other medicines can sometimes lead to cataracts.

Family history
Medical problems, such as diabetes
Injury to the eye
Medications, especially steroids
Radiation
Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
Previous eye surgery
Unknown factors

1. Blurred Vision: Vision may become progressively blurry, making it difficult to see objects clearly, especially in low-light conditions or at night.

2. Cloudy or Hazy Vision: The lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to a reduction in the clarity of vision. This can cause objects to appear foggy or hazy.

3. Glare Sensitivity: increased sensitivity to glare from bright lights or sunlight, which can cause discomfort or difficulty seeing clearly.

4. Poor Night Vision: Difficulty seeing in dimly lit environments or at night, often accompanied by halos or starbursts around lights.

5. Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription: Cataracts can cause changes in refraction, leading to frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses.

6. Double Vision: Cataracts can sometimes cause double vision (diplopia) in one eye, particularly in cases where the cataract affects the lens unevenly.

7. Color Changes: Colors may appear faded, yellowed, or less vibrant than usual, as the cataract affects the perception of color.

8. Difficulty with Reading or Seeing Up Close: Cataracts can affect the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, making it challenging to read or perform tasks that require near vision.

9. Decreased Contrast Sensitivity: difficulty distinguishing between shades of color or objects against backgrounds with similar tones.

1. Age: Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging. 

2. Family History: A family history of cataracts may predispose an individual to develop them earlier in life or to have a higher risk of cataract formation.

3. UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun without adequate eye protection may increase the risk of cataracts.

4. Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for cataracts. People who smoke cigarettes or are exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of developing cataracts.

5. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and metabolic disorders, may increase the risk of cataracts.

6. Previous Eye Surgery or Injury: Previous eye surgery, such as for other eye conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment, or eye injuries, may increase the risk of developing cataracts.

7. Prolonged Use of Corticosteroids: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, whether in the form of eye drops, oral pills, or injections, may increase the risk of cataracts.

8. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased risk of cataracts.

9. Poor Nutrition: Poor nutrition, particularly a diet lacking in antioxidants and certain vitamins and minerals (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene), may increase the risk of cataracts.

10. Certain Ethnicities: Some studies suggest that certain ethnicities, such as people of South Asian or African descent, may have a higher risk of developing cataracts.

11. Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins or pollutants may increase the risk of cataracts.

1. Medical History: The eye care professional begins by taking a detailed medical history, including any symptoms the individual may be experiencing and any risk factors for cataracts, such as age, family history, medical conditions, medication use, and lifestyle factors.

2. Visual Acuity Test: A visual acuity test is conducted to assess the clarity of vision at various distances. This may involve reading letters from an eye chart or using other visual acuity testing methods.

3. Slit-Lamp Examination: The eye care professional uses a slit lamp, which is a specialized microscope with a bright light source, to examine the structures of the eye, including the cornea, lens, and anterior chamber. This allows for a detailed evaluation of any opacities or abnormalities in the lens indicative of cataracts.

4. Pupil Dilation: In some cases, the eye care professional may dilate the pupil using eye drops to obtain a better view of the lens and retina. Dilating the pupil allows for a more thorough examination of the back of the eye.

5. Gonioscopy: Gonioscopy may be performed to assess the drainage angle of the eye, particularly if glaucoma is suspected as a coexisting condition. This involves using a special lens to examine the angle between the iris and cornea.

6. Refraction Test: A refraction test is performed to determine the individual’s eyeglass prescription and assess whether changes in vision are attributable to cataracts or other refractive errors.

7. Contrast Sensitivity Test: A contrast sensitivity test may be conducted to evaluate the ability to distinguish between shades of gray and detect changes in contrast sensitivity, which may be impaired in individuals with cataracts.

8. Visual Field Test: A visual field test may be performed to assess peripheral vision and detect any visual field defects that may be associated with advanced cataracts.

9. Assessment of Symptoms: The eye care professional may inquire about symptoms such as blurred vision, glare sensitivity, difficulty with night vision, and changes in color perception, which are common manifestations of cataracts.