We are almost halfway into the year 2024. In this month of June, we are increasing awareness on one of the leading causes of blindness in the world- Cataract. Many people have misconceptions about this condition and call almost every eye condition cataract. Fortunately, blindness due to cataract is preventable.
The eye has a clear, transparent lens that allows light to focus sharply on the retina. Cataract occurs when this lens begins to get opaque or cloudy, either due to age or under certain conditions. It disrupts the passage of light into the eye, thereby reducing vision. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to blindness. Although, the main cause of cataract is age, it can affect people of all ages. It starts slowly and gradually worsens over time. Other risk factors or causes of cataract include trauma, certain systemic diseases such as diabetes, long term exposure to ultraviolet rays, eye inflammation or injuries, smoking and prolonged use of drugs such as steroids.
Cataract does not grow over the eye and cannot be seen by just looking at the eyes except in some cases when it is mature (you’ll see a white cloud in the pupil (black part of the eye)). It is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. Common symptoms of cataract include blurry or cloudy vision, poor vision at night or in dim light, halos around light, glare and increased light sensitivity. These symptoms can affect performance of daily tasks and can reduce quality of life if visual impairment is severe. At this stage, surgery is recommended.
Age-related cataract cannot be prevented. However, the rate of progression or development can be reduced by
1. Avoiding some risk factors such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake
2. Maintaining normal blood pressure and sugar levels,
3. Protecting the eyes from ultraviolet radiation (UV rays)
4. Eating balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
5. Protecting the eyes from injuries by wearing appropriate protective eyewear at work and when necessary.
The only treatment for cataract is surgery. Lenses can only help improve vision in early stages, but it will not “take away” the cataract. People with cataract might also experience frequent prescription changes. There is no eye drop that can remove or “clear” cataract. The surgery is safe, and we do not have to “remove” your eyes to do the surgery. After cataract surgery, vision is usually better, provided the retina is healthy.
Book an appointment with an eye care professional in any of our branches to check your eyes today. We’re here to help. Also, kindly follow us on all our social media platforms and check out our website for more information on cataract and the eye.