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10 Lesser-Known Facts About Cataracts

drkmh 10 Lesser-Known Facts About Cataracts

 

Diets rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, are believed to lower the risk of cataracts.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens is normally clear and allows light to pass through to the retina, where the light is processed into visual information. When a cataract forms, it causes the lens to become cloudy, scattering light and reducing the clarity of vision. If left untreated, it can result in blindness.

 

An Overview of Cataracts

 

  • Symptoms of Cataracts:

    Common symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing “halos” around lights, fading, or yellowing of colours, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.

  • Diagnosing Cataracts:

    Cataracts are typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and tonometry (measuring the pressure inside the eye).

  • Causes for Cataracts:

    The primary cause of cataracts is aging. Other factors include genetic predisposition, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, certain medications (like corticosteroids), and previous eye injuries or surgeries.

  • Treating Cataracts:

    In the initial stages, improved lighting and eyeglasses can help manage the symptoms. When cataracts interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery is the most effective treatment. This surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.

Other symptoms of skin cancer may include sores that do not heal, bleeding or oozing lesions, itching, tenderness, or pain. In advanced stages, skin cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, causing additional symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, or abdominal pain.

 

Early detection of skin cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Regular self-examinations of the skin, paying attention to any changes in moles or the appearance of new lesions, can help in detecting skin cancer at its earliest stages. Any suspicious lesions should be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist. Additionally, practicing sun safety, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and staying in the shade, can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

 

Ten Facts about Cataracts

 

  • Not Just Age-Related While age-related cataracts are the most common, cataracts can also be congenital (present at birth) or develop due to other factors such as trauma, medication use (e.g., steroids), or certain medical conditions like diabetes.
  • UV Exposure as a Risk Factor Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of developing cataracts. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses can help reduce this risk.
  • Different Types of Cataracts There are several types of cataracts, including nuclear sclerotic cataracts (which affect the centre of the lens), cortical cataracts (which affect the edges of the lens), and posterior subcapsular cataracts (which form at the back of the lens).
  • Symptoms Can Vary Besides the common symptom of cloudy vision, cataracts can also cause double vision, faded colours, increased glare from lights, and a need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
  • Cataracts and Lifestyle Factors Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataract formation. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk and improve overall eye health.
  • Connection to Nutrition Diets rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, are believed to lower the risk of cataracts.
  • Cataracts in Animals Cataracts are not exclusive to humans; many animals, including dogs and cats, can develop cataracts, often due to similar factors such as age and genetic predisposition.
  • Impact of Diabetes People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts. High blood sugar levels can lead to changes in the lens’ structure, making cataracts more likely.
  • Cataract Surgery Advances Modern cataract surgery is highly advanced and typically involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens. The procedure is usually quick and has a high success rate.
  • Preventive Eye Care Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of cataracts. Detecting cataracts early can lead to better outcomes and allow for timely surgical intervention if necessary.

Understanding these lesser-known facts about cataracts can help in their prevention, early detection, and management, ultimately leading to better eye health and quality of life.

 

Dr. G. Nagalekshmi is the best Ophthalmologist in Chennai
Reviewed By:

DR.NAGALEKSHMI.G

CONSULTANT – OPHTHALMOLOGIST

MBBS, DNB, FMRF, FICO