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A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. It is the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide. The majority of cataracts are related to ageing. However, cataracts can occur at any age because of a variety of causes and can also be present at birth.
This blog will throw light on everything that you need to know about cataracts, their causes, symptoms, and how to manage the condition.
Types of Cataracts
Various types of Cataracts can occur such as Nuclear, Cortical, and Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts.
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Nuclear Cataracts
They form in the nucleus/centre of the lens and cause the vision to become blurry and cloudy. The lens turns yellow or brown rapidly in this condition. It is commonly seen in age-related cataracts.
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Cortical Cataracts
These cataracts form in the lens cortex or the edges. The vision becomes distorted and foggy.
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Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
They form at the back of the lens, progress quite faster, and can cause blurred vision in bright light.
What Can Cause Cataracts?
Cataracts can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, diabetes, congenital cataracts, trauma and certain medications. In Age-related cataracts, the lens causes proteins and fibres to break down, resulting in loss of transparency and cloudy vision.
Risk Factors that may cause cataracts are listed below:
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Ageing
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Diabetes
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Previous eye surgery or trauma.
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Certain medications such as steroids.
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Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
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Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption.
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Exposure to radiation and certain infections.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Your vision may gradually change and show symptoms as cataracts develop over time. Some common signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
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Blurry vision
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Poor night vision.
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Fading of colours.
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Sensitivity to bright light (glare).
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Double vision in one eye.
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Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription.
Please speak with a doctor if you have been exposed to one or more symptoms mentioned above. You can book an appointment with a Consultant – Ophthalmology at Manipal Hospitals Malleshwaram, Bangalore, and get cataract treatment in Malleshwaram Bangalore with the best treatment available.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Cataract
An eye examination following the symptoms is required to diagnose cataracts. Your doctor may recommend one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis such as a Retina test, Visual acuity test, Slit-lamp examination, dilatation examination, fundus examination & IOP Measurement.
Cataracts in Advanced Stages
The typical treatment of cataracts in advanced stages is surgery. During the procedure, your ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. The procedure is usually done on a daycare basis, and you can go home the same day. It takes about only 20 minutes.
Post-operative care is important and typically includes the use of eye drops, such as antibiotic eye drops & anti-inflammatory medications, and protective glasses. In some cases, cataracts can be treated with medication, but this is not common.
Early Stages of Cataract Management
Cataracts can be managed in the early stages by implementing lifestyle changes and making dietary adjustments. These include:
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Spectacle correction for any refractive error induced by cataract.
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Avoiding direct sunlight.
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Wearing protective eyewear (sunglasses).
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Eating a healthy diet (plenty of fruits, vegetables & antioxidants).
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Quitting smoking
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Reducing alcohol consumption.
Surgery is not usually recommended for early-stage cataracts by an ophthalmologist in Malleshwaram Bangalore, as the risks of complications outweigh the potential benefits. However, it is important to have regular eye exams to identify any vision changes, as cataracts can progress quickly if not managed properly.
FAQs
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What are the early symptoms of cataracts?
The most common signs of cataracts are blurry vision, poor night vision, sensitivity to bright light (glare), etc.
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When cataracts are ready for surgery?
Based on your symptoms and how progressive your condition is; your doctor may recommend you either surgery or lifestyle changes. Please consult with an Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospitals Malleswaram to know more.
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Are cataracts reversible without surgery?
The definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. Medication does not reverse cataracts. However, temporary measures such as appropriate spectacle correction for any refractive errors can be used if the patient awaits surgery or till cataract surgery is indicated.
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