WHAT IS A CATARACT?  

Cataract is a clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens that focuses the light entering the eye onto the retina. This cloudiness causes a decrease in vision and may lead to eventual blindness if not treated. It often develops slowly and painlessly, so vision and lifestyle can be affected without a person even realising it. 

Most people develop cataracts slowly after middle age. A patch of cloudy vision  expands over years or decades and in few cases, the lens takes on a yellow or brown tint. As the vision worsens very slowly, people may not notice cataracts for years altogether. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT 

Cloudy vision, frequent changes in eye-sight, sensitivity to light, visual halos, fading of colours, decreased night vision, double vision. Eye injuries, glaucoma, and diabetes increase the risk for cataract. 

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis: A cataract may be easily diagnosed by a simple eye examination done by an opthalmologist. 

Treatment: Surgery for cataract improves vision in most cases. 

1. New eye glasses that magnify vision and cut down on glare.

2. Surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. If you notice blurry vision  and other gradual vision changes, consult a doctor. This applies to having sudden or severe eye pain too. 

2. Some risk factors to develop cataract are old age, diabetes, eye injuries, glaucoma, use of  corticosteroids, radiation exposure, smoking, alcohol addiction, exposure to sun.

3. Home treatments do not cure cataracts. Proper nutrition and sun protection e.g. using sunglasses etc can help delay or prevent cataracts.