What is a Cataract condition?
A cataract is a cloudy, painless area in the lens of the eyes. It is a result of the protein in the lens of the eye clump.
The cloudy area inhibits the lens from sending a clear signal to the retina. This hinders the process of converting light to electric signals.
As a result, this light doesn't travel to the brain via optical nerve and gets interpreted as images. In other words, it interferes with the normal vision of an individual who develops this condition.
Cataracts develop slowly and gradually. In the initial stages, the cataract is temporarily solved with brighter lighting conditions and glasses that facilitate vision correction.
Cataract surgery is recommended only when the impaired vision starts interfering with daily activities.
What are the causes of a cataract?
Aging (for most, age-related changes always do not lead to cataracts).
An injury to the eye that harms the integrity of the lens tissue.
Inheritance, genetic inclination to develop a cataract.
Congenital cataracts (being born with cataracts).
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or sunlamps or tanning booths.
Diseases of the eye such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, long-term uveitis, and retinitis pigmentosa.
Diabetes, where the blood sugar levels are not managed in the acceptable range.
Intake of steroid-based medicines over a long period of time.
Frequent exposure to X-ray radiation to the head, due to a radiation therapy regimen.
Rare cases where the vitreous gel of the eye has to be removed (vitrectomy) have high chances of cataract formation.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
A dulled blurred or clouded vision.
One may experience glare or halos while looking at lamps or directly at the sun. Driving at night can get difficult, due to the glare of the car headlights.
Seeing things at night becomes increasingly difficult.
Double vision
Colored objects appear faded or even yellowed.
While reading one may need brighter lighting.
The affected eye seems to see double of things.
Eyeglasses may need repeated changes due to change in the number of the eye.
Second sight, a temporary condition where the short sight may get better for a short period of time.
