What Are Cataracts And How Do You Get Them?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens behind the iris and pupil of the eye. Cataracts normally damage both eyes, although they might also affect just one. The majority of cataracts develop as people age, usually beyond the age of 40. Cataracts are the most prevalent cause of vision loss in people all over the world, but they can be treated.
What Are The Causes Of Cataracts?
The proteins that make up the natural lens of the eye might clump together as we become older. The cloudiness is caused by these aggregates, which are called cataracts. They can become larger and cloud more of the lens over time, making it difficult to see.
The lens inside the eye is similar to a camera lens in that it focuses light onto the retina for clear vision. It also changes the focus of the eye, allowing us to view things up close and far away. The majority of the lens of the eye is made up of water and protein. The protein is organized in such a way that the lens remains clear and allows light to pass through.
Nobody understands why the lens of the eye changes with age, causing cataracts. Researchers from all over the world have discovered elements that may be linked to the development of cataracts. Aside from getting older, there are a number of other causes that might cause cataracts:
- Sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Use of corticosteroid medicines for a long time
- Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)
- Inflammation or damage to the eyes previously
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- High alcohol usage
- Myopia
Cataracts may be caused by oxidative alterations in the human lens, according to one idea. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables have been demonstrated in studies to help prevent some types of cataracts.
Symptoms Of Cataracts
A cataract begins small and has minimal impact on your eyesight at first. It can take months or even years for visual signs to manifest. You might notice that your eyesight is a little hazy, as if you’re gazing through a clouded window. Cataracts can develop at different rates in each eye, causing visual problems in one eye while maintaining normal vision in the other. With cataracts, you may also have the following symptoms:
- The sun’s or a lamp’s light appears to be too bright or dazzling.
- Light sensitivity is increased in your eyes.
- When driving at night, oncoming headlights generate more glare than before.
- There are visual halos around strong lights.
- Double vision is a common occurrence.
- It is more difficult to see at night or in low light.
- Colors might not be as vibrant as they previously are.
- Vision that is blurry, clouded, hazy, or dim.
- When viewed from the outside, an advanced cataract can make the pupil appear pale gray rather than black.
The type of cataract you have will influence which symptoms you have and how quickly they appear. If you suspect you have a cataract, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for an examination.
Cataracts Are Classified Into Several Categories:
There are many different forms of cataracts, but a handful are far more frequent than others.
- The most prevalent type of cataract is nuclear cataract. These develop in the lens’s center, gradually deteriorating and obstructing vision.
- Cortical cataracts are spoke-like opacities that start near the lens’s periphery and progress toward the center. These cause increased light glare, which makes night driving even more challenging.
- Congenital cataracts are opacities in the lens of one or both eyes that are present at birth. They might be quite minute and have no effect on vision, or they can be quite severe.
- Trauma-induced cataracts can appear anywhere on the lens and frequently take the shape of a flower petal or “rosette.”
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts form on the lens’s central back surface. These forms of cataracts grow more quickly than others. It frequently impacts your vision when you’re exposed to bright light or different colors.
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts form on the lens’s central back surface. These forms of cataracts grow more quickly than others. It frequently impacts your vision when you’re exposed to bright light or different colors.
What Are The Natural Best Ways To Deal With Cataracts?
When symptoms first emerge, you may be able to temporarily improve your vision by using:
- New spectacles
- Bifocals with a lot of power
- Magnification glasses
- Lighting or other visual aids that are appropriate
There is currently no way to prevent cataracts from occurring. However, limiting some of the risk factors indicated above may help to halt their progression. There are a variety of ways to reduce cataract risk factors, including:
- Wearing sunglasses during the day to protect your eyes from UV rays from the sun
- Stop smoking
- Maintaining a nutritious diet and exercising regularly
- Managing and minimizing the consequences of comorbid diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Having regular eye exams to ensure that any growing cataracts are caught early.
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