Human anatomy is complex. Our bodies change as we age. This impacts our biology and organs. One of the major issues that arise over time is cataracts. Eye cataracts are generally the clouding of the eye lens. Such clouding of the eye lens gradually blurs the vision and makes it difficult to see.
Let me further make it easier for you. Imagine the lens of your eye as the camera lens of your phone. Normally, it is clear and will allow light to pass through. However, eye cataracts are just like the blurry filters of the lens, which distort vision and light.
Typically, your lenses are clear and transparent. However, as you get older, cataracts become more common. It gradually destroys the vision because, in the beginning, you might not even notice that you have a cataract. You may have trouble with reading and performing other day-to-day activities.
But don’t lose focus! Here we will shed light on everything you need to know about cataracts, from understanding their symptoms and causes to exploring the latest treatment options to regain your clear vision.
These complexities have distinct types. Yes, the dedicated lens of our eyes becomes prone to several distinct cataract formations. These types of eye cataracts with different causes are presented here:
Senile cataracts are age-related cataracts due to the degeneration of the protein layer because of aging. The lens becomes cloudy, and the colors start to get yellowish and fade. This is a common condition that has affected many people around the world. There is no particular cure for senile cataracts, but surgery can be effective.
Not every cataract is caused by aging, because some cataracts form during fetal development or early childhood due to genetic infections or certain medications. In such cases, early diagnosis and surgery are essential for maintaining and optimizing vision.
Traumatic cataracts generally develop due to an injury to the eye. This can be caused by blunt force trauma, penetration of the eye by a sharp object, or exposure to intense heat or radiation. This injury damages the lens of the eye, causing it to cloud and affecting vision.
Secondary cataracts are also known as posterior capsular opacification. They are not actually true cataracts; however, they are caused by cataract surgery. Clouding appears to occur in the eyes as the thin membrane holds the artificial lens in place after surgery.
Ah, the eyes; they are the windows of humans to the world. However, sometimes these organs need some extra care because the world appears to be muted and fuzzy, and the clear view is no longer the same. This is the whisper of cataracts, which is a gradual change leading to diminished vision.
For curious ones who seek knowledge about the early detection of eye cataracts, here are some of the major symptoms of eye cataracts:
The most common symptom of eye cataracts is blurring of vision. The distant objects could be hazy, and even the familiar faces could lose their sharpness.
The lights start to appear brighter or have a ring around them, especially at night. Also, sunlight can start to feel harsh on the eyes, and halos can start to appear.
Your brain usually unifies images; however, during eye cataracts, the images seem to appear as two. This can make tasks like reading difficult.
The colors you see in day-to-day life become less vibrant and washed out. The world starts to lose its true charm, and the vibrations of objects fade away.
Night vision can worsen when the cataracts start to progress. You will gradually start to lose your night vision, and when using bright lights, the eyes start to see hues and halos around such light.
The major cause of eye cataracts is aging. As we age and get older, the protein layer of the eye lens gradually starts to break down and clump together, which causes cataracts. The natural and age-related issues start around the age of 40 and above.
The dimming of vision, which is often attributed to cataracts, is caused by aging. However, some other factors can contribute to cataracts. Some of these causes are listed below:
Understanding the causes of eye cataracts can help us take charge of our eye health. With the adoption of the necessary protective measures, you will be able to manage the underlying conditions. Early detection is indeed the key to betterment. If you are experiencing any changes in your vision or have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then you can schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist now.
While the gradual diminishing of vision can be daunting to you, the good news is that there are treatments for it. The range of such effective treatment options can help you restore your vision and improve eye quality.
In the early stages of eye cataracts, you can manage your vision with simple adjustments. Some of the primary non-surgical options for the management of eye cataracts include bright lighting, magnified reading glasses, and anti-glare coating on eyeglasses.
If the eye cataracts impact your vision poorly, surgeries can be definitive solutions. This procedure involves less invasion by taking out the clouded lens and then replacing it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens. These modern surgery techniques can boost success and recovery rates. You can consider phacoemulsification, femtosecond Laser-Assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), or extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).
Although there are not any studies that have proven how to prevent or slow the growth of cataracts, there are some common strategies that healthcare professionals suggest that can be helpful:
While cataracts are a common age-related affliction, they aren’t a condemnation of seeing the world out of focus. From the first awareness of a subtle dimming in your vision through treatment, this guide has armed you with tools for the trip.
Now, through minimally invasive procedures that restore clarity with exquisite precision, miracles in the age of science occur daily. A light touch replaces the hazy lens with a transparent implant and lets rays of sunlight dance upon your retina, filling the world once more with rich colors. The fearful cataract turns into a footnote and becomes wholly forgotten as you regain free sight.
Expertise in cataracts, back to clear and lively vision. An all-controlling guide addressed your concerns, detailed symptoms dived into causes to show you the proper treatment options for dispelling the dark clouds and revealing clarity.
If you think it might be cataracts, don’t hesitate. See your eye doctor today to get a complete diagnosis. Then talk it over because you deserve a vibrant vision, too!
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
