A Brief Overview of Age Related Cataract

The imminent change of eye lens that makes it less transparent (clear) is referred to as cataract. Individual(s) suffering from cataract may experience cloudy or misty vision. Lens is the crystalline structure that’s naturally fit behind the pupil (the black circle in centre of the eye). When light enters the eye through the cornea and lens, it’s focused on light-sensitive cell layer on the retina.

Cataract usually starts to develop as they age, blocking the light from reaching to the retina. If not treated, cataracts become worse and starts affecting the vision. Patient(s) would’ve to undergo removal and replacement surgery affecting the lens.

Symptoms

Initial development of the cataract may go unnoticed as symptoms starts to show up at a later stage. The disease usually develop in both eyes however, affects can vary. Blurry, misty, cloudy vision or small patches occur where your vision is less obvious. Cataracts may affect your eyes in the following ways;

-          Difficulty seeing in dim or bright light

-          Brightness may be uncomfortable or dazzling

-          Colours may appear dim and less visible

-          Objects may have a brown or yellow tinge

-          Double vision

-          Halo around bright lights such as streetlights and car headlights

-          Glasses may be less effective overtime

A visit to the optician

Whenever having issues with the vision, book an appointment at the optician immediately for timely resolution. Optician also have proper apparatus to examine the eyes and for sight testing. He may examine using a slit lamp or ophthalmoscope which can magnify the eye and a bright light at another end allowing him to look deeply for possible cataracts.

In-case of cataracts, you’ll be referred to an ophthalmologist or a surgeon who’ll confirm the initial findings and plan the treatment accordingly. An ophthalmologist specialise in particular eye diseases such as cataracts and relevant treatment. Cataract surgery in Dubai is much preferred as some of the latest eye care technology is there to exploit.

Causes of age-related cataracts

Just like grey hair, cataracts are inevitable and a part of ageing affecting different people at varying age. It’s thought that change in protein which makes up the lens is the root cause of cataract but research is still underway as it’s unclear what causes ageing. Besides age, there’re other factors that increase risk of cataract development such as;

-          Family history

-          Diabetes

-          Long-term uveitis

-          Eye injury or surgery

-          Higher dose of corticosteroid medication

Other linking factors can be;

-          Smoking

-          Regular intake of alcohol

-          Malnutrition or vitamin-less diet

-          Prolonged exposure to sunlight

Treatment

If cataracts aren’t too bad, brighter environment and stronger glasses may improve the vision. Lest condition worsen overtime, treatment or surgery might be the only option. In all, only surgery has proven effective against cataracts and recommended in significant loss of vision while driving, reading and executing other duties.

Conclusion

Cataracts are common and primary cause of impaired vision. Even though it mostly affects older people, babies and younger children may also develop the symptoms.