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What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural transparent lens. This condition prevents light from passing through and focusing on the retina, causing vision to become blurry and unclear. Cataracts are very common, especially as people age, and they can lead to vision loss.

There are different types of cataracts:

• Age-related cataract.
• Secondary cataract: A complication of certain diseases and medications.
• Congenital cataract: Present at birth.
• Traumatic cataract: Associated with injury.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Initially, there may be no symptoms as the cloudiness is mild, but over time, the lens becomes more clouded, leading to vision difficulties and other symptoms such as:

• Blurry vision
• Faded colors.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• Sensitivity to light and sunlight.
• Seeing halos around lights.
• Needing to change eyeglass prescriptions more than once.
• In advanced stages of cataracts, the eye’s pupil may appear gray or white.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts occur due to changes in the lens of the eye that prevent light from passing to the retina. There are factors and causes that increase the likelihood of developing cataracts, including:

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes.
• Eye injury or surgery.
• Excessive exposure to the sun.
• Long-term use of steroid medications.
• Family history of cataracts.
• Exposure to radiation, such as radiation therapy for cancer patients.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods?

The doctor will take the medical history and conduct a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:

• Eye examination through a comprehensive eye test. This test is simple and painless. You will be given drops to dilate your eye, and then the eye will be examined for any clouding of the lens or other eye problems.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Cataracts?

Cataract surgery is the only treatment option and is considered a safe and painless procedure. If cataracts are present in both eyes, surgery is performed on one eye first, followed by the other eye after a few days or weeks.

What Are the Methods for Preventing Cataracts?

There are some tips and guidelines to protect the eye and delay the progression of cataracts:

• Wear sunglasses to block the sun’s rays.
• Quit smoking. For more details on how to quit smoking, check out the quitting smoking guide.
• If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels.
• Ensure a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and cabbage.
• People over 60 years old should have a regular eye examination at least once every two years.

What Are the Complications of Cataracts?

Over time, untreated cataracts can lead to vision loss and damage to the optic nerve, especially in children.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms of cataracts or experience changes in vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cataracts come back after surgery?

Yes. After surgery, some people may develop a condition known as secondary cataract. It is a clouding of the outer part of the lens, which may cause blurry vision. It can be treated using a laser.

How do I know if my sunglasses protect against ultraviolet rays?

When purchasing sunglasses, make sure to choose ones that block 99% of ultraviolet rays and have a label indicating 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.

For more information on sunglasses and how to choose the right ones for you, read your eyewear guide.