Explains cataracts, how they develop and more

Cataracts are the most prevalent cause of vision loss in adults over 45, accounting for more than 20 million cases worldwide.

What are cataracts?

If left untreated, a cataract, which is the clouding of the eye’s focusing lens, causes blurry vision and eventual vision loss.

•  More than 50% of adults over the age of 80 have cataracts.
• More than half of all adults will start to develop a cataract by the age of 60.

It may take years before you notice any symptoms of a cataract because they gradually worsen over time with no noticeable pain or discomfort.

How do cataracts develop?

Mostly made of water and protein, the eye’s lens is arranged naturally to maintain transparency and allow light to reach the retina at the back of the eye.

Additionally, the lens controls how sharply the eye can see at all distances, such as when driving a car.

The lens shifts focus, allowing you to see the road or street sign clearly up ahead. You can then glance down at your speedometer before returning to the road.

However, as we age, the proteins in the lens start to lose their transparency and clump together, resulting in a cataract, which is a “clouding” of the lens.

Different cataracts

The natural ageing process is the main cause of cataract development. However, additional cataracts can also form, such as

• At birth, babies have congenital cataracts.
• Secondary cataracts may develop as a result of cataract surgery or other ocular conditions like glaucoma or diabetes.
• A traumatic eye injury can result in cataract development.

Where in the eye are cataracts located?

According to where they are in the lens, cataracts are classified medically as follows:

The nucleus of the lens darkens from clear to yellow or brown due to a nuclear cataract, which develops in the centre of the lens.

A cortical cataract is a structure that resembles a spoke or a wedge and is found in the layer that surrounds the nucleus.

The back outer layer of the lens contains a posterior capsular cataract, which grows more quickly than other types of cataracts.

Is there a cataract in my eye?

Symptoms of cataracts can vary from person to person and from cataract type to person. When a cataract first develops, some people experience a phenomenon known as “second sight,” where their near vision temporarily improves.

Imagine looking through a grimy window to get a good idea of how a cataract will affect your vision.

Common cataract symptoms include:

• Blurry or foggy vision
• Sunlight or headlight glare sensitivity
• Observing haloes surrounding lights
• A lack of night vision
• Colours seem to be less colourful
• Dual perception

Conclusion

For a complete diagnosis at Cataract Surgery in Zirakpur, schedule a thorough eye exam if you or a loved one is exhibiting symptoms of a cataract.

Your lifetime of clear vision will be made possible by early detection and treatment of cataracts.