Cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The retina works by converting the light that comes through the lens into signals. It sends the signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain. It develops slowly and eventually interferes with your vision. You might end up with cataracts in both eyes, but they usually don’t form at the
same time. Cataracts are common in older people. As a cataract develops, your eyesight may become cloudy, blurry, or unclear. You may experience halos around lights, multiple vision, and poor night vision. Colors may seem faded.

Common symptoms of cataract include:

• Blurry vision
• Trouble seeing at night
• Seeing colors as faded
• Increased sensitivity to glare
• Halos surrounding lights
• Double vision in the affected eye

Causes of cataract

There are several underlying causes of cataracts. These include:

• Smoking
• An overproduction of oxidants, which are oxygen molecules that have been chemically altered due to normal daily life
• Ultraviolet radiation
• The long-term use of steroids and other medications
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes, trauma, radiation therapy
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Previous eye injuries
• A family history of cataracts
• Too much sun exposure

Types of Cataracts

There are different types of cataracts. They are classified based on where and how they develop:

• Nuclear cataracts, this form in the middle of the lens and cause the nucleus, or the center, to become yellow or brown.
• Cortical cataracts, these are wedge-shaped and form around the edges of the nucleus.
• Posterior capsular cataracts, this form faster than the other two types and affect the back
• of the lens.
• Congenital cataracts, these are present at birth or form during a baby’s first year, are less common than age-related cataracts.
• Secondary cataracts – these are caused by disease or medications. Diseases that are linked with the development of cataracts include glaucoma and diabetes. The use of the steroid prednisone and other medications can sometimes lead to cataracts.
• Traumatic cataracts develop after an injury to the eye, but it can take several years for this to happen.
• Radiation cataracts – this can form after a person undergoes radiation treatment for cancer.
• Old age
• Heavy alcohol use

Treatment of Cataracts

If you are unable or uninterested in surgery, your doctor may be able to help you manage your symptoms. They may suggest stronger eye glasses, magnifying lenses, or sunglasses with an anti-glare coating.

Surgery

Surgery is recommended when cataracts prevent you from going about your daily activities, such as reading or driving. It’s also performed when cataracts interfere with the treatment of other eye problems. One surgical method, known as phacoemulsification, involves the use of ultrasound waves to break the lens apart and remove the pieces. Extracapsular surgery involves removing the cloudy part of the lens through a long incision in the cornea. After surgery, an artificial
intraocular lens is placed where the natural lens was. Surgery to remove a cataract is generally very safe and has a high success rate. Some of the risks of cataract surgery include infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, though incidences of all those complications are less than 1%. Most people can go home the same day of their surgery.

Prevention of Cataracts

• Protect your eyes from UVB rays by wearing sunglasses outside
• Have regular eye exam
• Stop smoking
• Eat fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Keep diabetes and other medical conditions in check

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