Cataracts are common with old age but that does not mean you will have to sit back and wait for your sight to deteriorate. When they form they cloud the lens as a result it distorts and obscures the light that comes into the eye and causes the vision to become poor and blurry. They are usually an age-related condition and undergo surgery.
Cataracts that occur due to old age occur in 2 different ways. Clumps of protein form in the lens that cause it to cloud which cuts back the light amount that reaches the retina. Again, the lens grows dull with a brown or yellow color developing in the clear lens. The vision gets a brownish tint which becomes difficult to read, perceive and distinguish. Other factors for which cataracts can occur are diabetes, injuries, surgery and exposure to radiation.
The common symptoms include blurry vision, faded colors, intense glare reaction, decreased ability to see at night and double vision. Diagnosing involves a thorough examination where your doctor will record your medical history conduct chart tests and a dilated eye exam. He/she will also test the fluid pressure of your eye and determine if that is causing vision problems.
Early cases may be treated with eyeglasses and lenses. They will enhance your sight but will not treat the cataracts. If your cataracts have made you blind then you can undergo surgery. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The surgery requires precision and delicacy following which you will be able to resume your normal activities following a few days of recovery, although the vision will continue to improve in the time to come.
Prevention of Cataracts: There are significant controversy related to the fact whether this condition can be prevented or not. However, a good diet can definitely reduce the risk to a great extent. Dietary intakes of Vitamin E and other elements like carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin from supplements and food were associated with considerably reduced risk. Good food sources are spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables, vitamin C and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Another way to keep your eyes away from any harm is to wear protective sunglasses which block the harmful rays of the sun when you are outdoors. You may be able to improve your vision temporarily for a while using new glasses or
lens but eventually you would have to get a surgery done.
However, another very interesting thing to note is that the term age related is a little misleading. You don’t require to be aged to be in this condition. Sometimes you can have at an early age too. People who are at risk are diabetic people, smokers and alcoholics and prolonged exposure to sunlight.