Are You
At Risk for Cataract ?
About cataract
A
cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that causes loss of vision. This is
about age-related cataract, the most common type.
Causes of cataract
The
lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens. It
focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is
recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly
both up close and far away.
The
lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise
way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age,
some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the
lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud
more of the lens, making it harder to see.
Researchers
suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and
diabetes. Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear
and tear it takes over the years.
What are its symptoms?
A
cataract starts out small. It has little effect on vision at first. You may
notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy
piece of glass.
A
cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright, causing a
glare. Or, you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights
cause more glare than before. Also, colors may not appear as bright to you as
they once did.
As the
cataract gets bigger and clouds more of the lens, you will find it harder to
read and do other normal tasks. The word "cataract" means waterfall.
For people with a ripe cataract, it is like trying to see through a waterfall.
When are you most likely to have a cataract?
The
term "age-related" is a little misleading. You don't have to be a
senior citizen to get this type of cataract. In fact, people can have an
age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most
cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most
cataracts steal vision.
How is a cataract detected?
Although
you might think you have a cataract, the only way to know for sure is by having
an eye examination. Should your eye care professional find one, he or she can
monitor it and advise you about any future treatment.
When should a cataract be treated?
If your
eye care professional finds a cataract, you may not need cataract surgery for
several years. In fact, you might never need cataract surgery. By having your
vision tested regularly, you and your eye care professional can discuss if and
when you might need treatment.
How is a cataract treated?
It is
treated with surgery. Your eye care professional will remove your clouded lens
and, in most cases, replace it with a clear, plastic lens. Cataract surgery is
very successful in restoring vision. In fact, it is one of the most common
surgeries performed.
What can you do to protect your vision?
If you
are over age 60, you should have an eye examination at least once every two
years. This exam should include dilating your pupils. This means drops are put
into your eyes to enlarge your pupils. Although a cataract can be detected
without dilated pupils, your eye care professional can see the back of your eye
better using this exam. Getting a good view of the retina and optic nerve is
important in detecting eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
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