Cataracts
Alternative Names
Cataracts , Lens opacity, Age-related cataractWhat is Cataracts
A cataract is a disease which triggers clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. It damages you vision and make it difficult to read, drive and to see at night time. It may develop not very fast but can occur rapidly from time to time. There are different types of cataracts:
- senile cataract (occurring in the elderly)
- morgagnian cataract (sometimes the cause of phacomorphic glaucoma)
- congenital cataracts (occurring in children right after the birth due to cataract they parents have)
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptoms of cataract are:
- loss of visual acuity
- loss of contrast sensitivity and the absence of red reflex
Possible complications
If left untreated, cataracts becomes severe and can lead to vision loss.
What causes
The main causes of cataracts are:
- changes the tissue that makes up your eye's lens due to aging or injury
- inherited genetic disorders
Prevention
To prevent the cataracts you should:
- have regular eye exams
- quit smoking
- wear sunglasses
- take care of other health problems
- maintain a healthy weight
- choose a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
Treatment
The most common way for treating cataract is surgery. It can be cured by removing lens in your eye. The doctors will replace the natural lens with an artificial, clear plastic lens. This procedure is called an intraocular implant or intraocular lens.
There are several types of lenses available:
- fixed strength lenses (monofocal)
- multifocal lenses
- accommodating lenses
