Cataracts: All you need to know about cataracts

The eye is a very sensitive part of the body. It has to remain without infection, and specs to work optimally. Besides, the eyes require to remain moisturized throughout the day and night. This is the function of tears and blinking. However, dry eye is not the only thing that should concern you when it comes to eyes. Some different diseases and conditions could compromise proper vision, including, cataracts.

What is cataract?

A cataract is an eye disease that causes clouding of the clear lens the clouding hence decreases proper vision of the patient. The disease develops slowly and gradually. It can affect either one eye or two. For such patients, seeing becomes more like looking through a cloudy or foggy window or glass. As cataracts develop, the effects may not be noticed. In the years, adding the lighting and using glasses can aid with your vision. However, in time, cataracts can impede your vision requiring a closer look at your eye, sometimes as far as your retina.

Different types of cataracts

Cataracts come in different forms. Depending on the type you have, the symptoms can be different. The treatment options will also differ. The differences are marked by how where the cataract starts forming in the eye, and how it spreads out to affect your whole vision.

• Subcapsular cataract – it develops at the back of your eye lens. This one is common among patients of diabetes. You are also at high risk if you consume high levels of steroid medications.
• Nuclear cataract – it forms in the nuclear part of the eye. This central zone is deeper than the back of your lens. It is common among old people because it is highly associated with aging.
• Cortical cataract – it develops in the lens cortex that surrounds the nucleus. Ideally, it begins at the periphery of the lens and gradually proceeds to the center of the lens.

What causes cataracts?

The eye allows for vision by focusing light on the retina. It works closely similar to how a camera lens works. The lens of an eye is made of proteins and water, appropriately positioned to allow clarity. With age, some of the protein of the lens may clump together. The clumped protein then starts blurring the lens in part. This is how cataract happens. However, the protein in the lens should stay in its place if not for some of the following reasons:

• Eye inflammation or injury
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking effects
• Ultraviolet radiations
• Corticosteroid medications – when used for a long time
• Too much intake of alcohol
• Myopia
• Family history

Clearly, several reasons can cloud your vision. It is important to find out more about your eye condition before you dismiss it as a cataract.

Signs and symptoms of cataracts

Just because you are having trouble seeing clearly, doesn’t mean you should rule it off as cataracts. Before visiting your doctor, it may be inconclusive whether or not you have cataracts in your eyes. The cataract does not always cloud the entire lens of your eye all at once. At first, only part of your eye may be affected. In time, the cataract grows larger and covers an even larger part of your lens. At this point, you will have signs and symptoms of cataracts, including the following:

• Dim vision – cataracts inhibits the proper passage of light to your eyes. This means that unless you keep using stronger light, you will always experience dimmed vision.
• Blurred vision – if you feel like you are looking through a foggy window, then you might be having a cataract in your eye.
• Problems with night vision – if driving at night is harder for you than before, then get your eyes checked for cataracts. The disease can even make you feel like the oncoming headlights have more glare than ever before. It may not be safe for you to drive at night until you get the Lasik treatment.
• Double vision in the affected eye – if the cataract has partially covered the lens of your eye, then double vision can be expected as a symptom.
• Halos around lightings – if you see a halo when you look at lighting, whether a street light or your bulb at home, you may have the disease.

If you suspect a cataract in one of your eyes, consult your doctor right away for treatment.